With temperatures dropping fast, now is the perfect time to cozy up in front of a warm fire. Though fireplaces are designed to hold flames and provide warmth, it could get out of hand if you’re not careful, which could take more than a fire extinguisher to put out. Here is a brief guide to show you how fireplaces can be hazardous and what you can do to put out fires safely. 

How Can Fireplaces Start House Fires? 

Though you may think you the fire has died down in your fireplace, it’s possible lit embers are still present beneath the logs and ash. Sparks and lit logs can roll out and ignite nearby furniture, carpeting, and upholstery, which could be disastrous if the fireplace doesn’t have a protective screen or glass to keep wood and embers from escaping.

Another potential hazard lies within the chimney. Creosote buildup from unclean chimneys can catch fire, as well as hanging holiday decor from the mantle above an active fire. 

How Should You Put out a Fire?

To protect your home from fire damage, you need to understand how to put out fires safely. First, you need to have the right tools for the job, including a fireplace poker and shovel as well as a fire extinguisher and baking soda. Begin putting out the fire by using the poker to spread the burning wood and embers into a flattened mound so that the flames can die out. Then, use the shovel to cover the wood to extinguish the fire slowly.

Once the fire is out, cover the leftover lumber with a thin layer of baking soda to ensure no embers are left behind to reignite the blaze. The sodium bicarbonate in baking soda is a component in class C fire extinguishers, so it will put out any lingering embers. However, keep an extinguisher nearby for added protection.

 For more than 15 years, GMW Fire Protection has been the go-to supplier of residential and commercial fire protection materials throughout Alaska. Based in Anchorage, this company features a broad range of services and products, including fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler system installations, fire alarms, and 24/7 emergency services. Their certified technicians will also help you design fire safety plans for your home or business. To learn more about what this company has to offer, visit them online or call (907) 336-5000 today.