Think that Fire is Out? Guess Again!

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small, remaining ember can re-ignite a fire!

Ready to retire for the night?  Think that the fire is out? Guess again!  A homeowner in our neighborhood scooped the ashes out of his fireplace before bedtime and stored them in the garage in a garbage bin.  Within hours, the garage was engulfed.  Thankfully he and his family were able to escape because the smoke detectors in his home were operational.

Fireplace coals can remain hot enough to start a fire for up to three days, always wait before removing the ashes.  When you are sure no embers remain, use the metal shovel that comes with most fireplace tool sets and scoop the ashes into a metal container.  Never use a vacuum to clean up ashes, because live coals may remain in those ashes.  Store the container far from combustible materials, preferably outside.  Place the ashes in the trash on pick-up day to reduce any further fire risk.