Special Announcements

Woodstove / Fireplace Safety

Earlier this winter season Pierce County Fire District 8 warned of chimney fire danger.  There are other dangers when using woodstoves and fireplaces.  Here are some tips for fireplace and woodstove use:

v  Place ashes in a metal container with a metal lid and place it outside, well away from the house, on a non-combustible surface (i.e. stone, brick, cement).  
Never assume that ashes are not hot or completely out!

 v  Be aware that bits of hot coals can stay dormant for weeks when buried in ashes and flare up again when exposed to oxygen. 

 v  Woodstoves should be UL listed.

 v  Do not use flammable liquids (e.g. gasoline, lighter fluid) to start or accelerate fires.

 v  Place a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening and keep flammable materials away.

 v  Burn only dried seasoned firewood or synthetic fire logs.  Never charcoal as it can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.

 v  Make certain your fire is out before going to bed.  NEVER close the damper with hot ashes in the fireplace as this can force carbon monoxide into the house. 

 v  Clean ashes from your fireplace or woodstove weekly or more often if they pile up. Wear a dust mask to protect yourself from dust.  Check for creosote build up in the chimney while you are emptying your ashes.

 Smoke detectors play an important role in protecting your family.  Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home and be sure to check and clean them on a monthly basis.

Dial 911 for Emergencies!

Don't come to us, we will come to you.

Pierce County Fire District 8
10105 24th Street East
Edgewood, WA 98371
Phone:  (253) 927-2313          Fax:  (253) 927-2385