Crime & Safety
FCFRD News Blog : STEP Into Safety This Holiday Season And Can Your Fire Place Ashes!
Thinking of building a fire in your fireplace this week and/or weekend? Please make sure you do so safely! Every fall and winter, FCFRD ...
November 18, 2021
Thinking of building a fire in your fireplace this week and/or weekend? Please make sure you do so safely! Every fall and winter, FCFRD experiences several home fires that were caused by improperly discarded fireplace ashes. A totally preventable and unnecessary fire!
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If you have not already done so, please make sure you have your fireplace inspected and cleaned before using. Go here for more information: Get in S.T.E.P. (Safety Takes Every Person) With FCFRD This Holiday Season!
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind all residents to be cautious and keep safety in mind when handling fireplace ashes. Following a few simple safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
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- Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
- Do not place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages.
- Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
- Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
- Keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
- Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.
- Ashes can stay hot for several days. Follow the above steps even when you wait several days to remove the ashes from the fireplace.
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This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
