Wright-Patt Realty knows the holiday season is the perfect time to light the fireplace for warmth and a glowing ambiance. This delightful tradition has some risks that can be minimized if you follow a few commonsense practices.

Our REALTORS®  have compiled a list of 8 tips for keeping your home safe while enjoying your fireplace:

1. Working Fireplace
   If this is a new home for you, be sure to inspect the smoke ducts, the chimney, and the protective linings. Make repairs if necessary before lighting a fire.
   
   
2. Flammable Liquids and Materials
   Stay away from charcoal lighter fluid, gasoline, or other fuel to start your fire. The vapors may explode. Don't keep any flammable liquids near the fireplace. Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace, including pillows, carpets, furniture, or paper. If you have a Christmas tree, ensure it is a safe distance from the fireplace. Remember that holiday gift wrapping is flammable, too.
   
   
3. Hazardous Fumes
   Stay away from charcoal or coal in your fireplace. You face a significant risk of carbon monoxide build-up. Do not burn gift wrap or trash in the fireplace. Polystyrene foam or other coatings may produce harmful fumes. In addition, flying embers from gift wrap could ignite your roof.
   
   
4. Artificial Logs
   Don't consider your artificial logs like real wood. Artificial logs are constructed of wax and sawdust and have different burning properties than wood logs. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Use only one log at a time. Wait to add another log until after the first dies out completely. Do not add real wood to an artificial log fire. In addition, don't poke artificial logs, as the wax may stick to the poker and fall into your carpeting.
   
   
5. Newspaper Logs
   Do not use any flammable fluids with home rolled newspaper logs. This can create a high risk for explosion. You can soak the newspaper in water prior to rolling them. This eliminates the clay content and provides a log that burns better. If you do soak them in water, let them dry for at least two weeks. You can safely use kindling to light a newspaper log.
   
   
6. Fire Size
   Make sure your fire fits your fireplace. Large fires in smaller fireplaces can cause damage to your home. They can overheat the walls and roofing materials, especially if your fireplace is made from metal.
   
   
7. Fireplace Screens
   Fireplace screens work! Use one around your fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out. This will protect your home and family from accidental clothing ignition.
   
   
8. Educate Your Children
   Teach your children carefully about fire hazards. Do not let them play near or with the fireplace.

Always ensure the fire is completely out before going out or heading to bed for the night. If you do a DIY installation of a factory-made fireplace, make sure to remove flammable materials nearby, and that it has appropriate heat and flame barriers. Lastly, make sure the damper is open prior to lighting your fire, and don't close it until all the ashes are cooled. This prevents that build-up of any poisonous gas while your family is asleep.

For more ideas on enjoying a safe holiday season, contact Wright-Patt Realty. If you're looking for Beavercreek homes for sale, we're here to help you find the right place and neighborhood. We wish you a delightful, cheery holiday season!