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With Thanksgiving now behind us, the winter holidays are quickly approaching. Along with the traditions of gift giving and family meals is the centuries-old practice of enjoying a wood fire in the fireplace. A cozy fire provides warmth, ambience and a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. A fire burning in the fireplace and a decorated tree make a wonderful holiday setting.
There are a few simple and important things to keep in mind to make the season enjoyable, safe and environmentally friendly. It is critical to have the chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned periodically by a professional. Burning wood can produce smoke, causing an accumulation of creosote and soot inside the chimney. Creosote and soot are combustible and an excessive buildup can cause a chimney fire. Chimney professionals also function as on-the-job fire prevention specialists during routine inspections. They are consistently looking for unsafe conditions that can cause home fires or threaten residents with dangerous or unhealthy indoor air quality.
Smoke is Smoke
When using your fireplace it is also important to burn dry, well-seasoned hardwood to minimize smoke. Although some find the smell of wood smoke on a crisp winter evening an enjoyable experience, smoke can be harmful to those inside the home and people who are exposed to it outside. Wood smoke has many chemical compounds that can irritate the lungs, eyes, throat and sinuses.
Don’t Burn that Wrapping Paper!
With all the wrapping paper and boxes scattered around after gift opening – or when the Christmas tree has dried out – it may be tempting to burn the trash in the fireplace. Not a good idea. Trash, when burned, can release pollutants and ash into the air and cause odors. Christmas trees are usually evergreens that contain high amounts of resins that can cause creosote buildup and chimney fires.
Recycle the Holiday Trash
Remember, the trash byproducts from the holidays can be recycled or reused in several ways. Those dried out trees can be used as garden mulch. Some municipalities make mulching equipment available to the public after the holiday season to reduce the number of trees going to the landfill or incinerator.
Consider decorating a live tree that can be planted outside after holidays. Trees are beneficial for the environment as they remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen.
Click here for information about the Maryland Christmas Tree Association
and a list of tree farms.
Click here to find a reputable chimney sweep near you.
MDE wishes you a safe and environmentally-healthy holiday!
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