You’ve enjoyed a lovely evening by the fireplace, but it will soon be time to go to bed and put out the fire. Follow our expert advice to extinguish your fireplace safely.
The secret to safely extinguishing a fireplace: intervene as little as possible
Unlike a pellet stove, a traditional fireplace requires a few precautions to ensure it can be enjoyed safely. While lighting a fire may be somewhat tricky, putting it out is very simple.
As a general rule, it is recommended to let the fire go out naturally, without intervening. Allow the embers to burn down slowly until they are completely extinguished. This may take several hours. Your stove can then continue to operate gently and safely. In the meantime, make sure that no one goes near the fireplace.
Mistakes to absolutely avoid when extinguishing a fireplace fire
Once the fire is completely extinguished, it is important to carry out regular maintenance of your fireplace to ensure its proper operation and long-term safety.
- Clean out the ashes regularly. Once they are completely cool, use a suitable shovel and a metal container to remove them. Store your ashes in a metal bucket outdoors, away from flammable materials.
- Check the firebox for any traces of flammable residues and make sure there is no build-up, such as a significant accumulation or fall of soot, for example. If you notice a substantial build-up, call in a professional.
- Have your fireplace and flue serviced by a professional at least twice a year, including once during the period of use. This is a legal requirement. They will carry out a full chimney sweep, which removes deposits that could block the flue and cause chimney fires.
- Use dry logs suited to your fireplace to ensure efficient combustion and reduce pollution that could damage your appliance. Do not use treated wood, unsuitable waste or any flammable products.