As the days grow shorter, the sun sinks lower in the sky, and a chill settles into the air, it is clear that autumn has arrived. With cooler temperatures, you may be eager to light a cozy fire. But before you do, it’s important to ensure your fireplace or wood-burning stove is safe and ready to use.

If your system has not been used recently, have it inspected by a certified chimney professional. Over time, creosote—a highly flammable residue from burning wood—can accumulate inside the chimney and is one of the leading causes of chimney fires.

In addition to scheduling professional cleaning, here are several steps you can take to keep your home safe and warm:

• Always open the damper before starting a fire. This is a simple yet often overlooked step, especially if the fireplace hasn’t been used in a while.
• Burn only seasoned hardwoods such as oak, ash, or maple. Avoid pine or construction lumber, which burn inefficiently and produces more creosote buildup.
• Install a chimney cap. These affordable metal covers prevent animals, debris, rain, and snow from entering the chimney, helping to reduce damage and wear.
• Use a wire mesh screen in front of the fireplace to contain sparks and prevent logs or embers from escaping.
• Extinguish fires completely before bedtime. Use fireplace poker to spread out the embers and allow them to cool more quickly. Then sprinkle some ash over the embers to help smother any remaining heat.
• Dispose of embers safely. Transfer hot embers into a metal container with a lid, spray lightly with water, and store the bucket outside—well away from your home and any flammable materials.
• Test your smoke alarms regularly and ensure they have fresh batteries always installed.

By following these guidelines, you and your family can safely enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fire throughout the colder months.