The most common reason a fireplace causes a house fire is due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney. Ultimately, wood-burning fires incite a thick layer of soot and ash, called creosote, on the inside of the chimney walls. If not properly cleaned, this material can ignite, causing significant damage to the property and threatening the safety of everyone in the home. Other hurdles like dead leaves, bird nests, or falling bricks can block the airflow in the chimney and cause sparks to fly out into the room, possibly igniting rugs, nearby décor, or furniture. In the case of gas fireplaces, an obstructed chimney could cause dangerous fumes to vent into the home. Either plight is detrimental for you and the home’s other tenants as well.
To avoid these and other problems, there are several important steps that you should follow. First, use only the recommended types of fuel for your fireplace. For wood-burning fireplaces, that is dried and well-seasoned wood free of any chemicals or accelerants. For gas or electric fireplaces, never put anything in the flames. This can promote showers of sparks and hot ash capable of starting the house on fire. Chimney fires can become as hot as 2000°F, hot enough to split bricks, melt metal, and catch your walls, siding, and canopy on fire. Correct use of your fireplace is one of the best ways to avoid such dangers.
Next, make sure to supervise the use of your fireplace carefully. For both gas and wood fireplaces, never leave the fireplace lit unsupervised. It is of the essence to have an updated fire extinguisher nearby and to make sure that you regularly change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If your fireplace has an operating manual, keep it in an accessible location for easy reference. Do not come too near the fireplace while lit and make sure to watch any pets to circumvent injuries and troubles.
Decisively, you must check with your property manager or landlord to witness if the fireplace is being regularly inspected and cleaned. A desirable property manager will have a fireplace kept in good condition consistently to make sure that it is in good working condition and ventilating correctly. To remain safe, it is critical to realize that pilot lights, valves, and sensors are working correctly and that you know how to manage your fireplace correctly. If your landlord gives you materials on fire safety, read through them carefully before attempting to use your fireplace. For tenants, abiding by certifiable fireplace safety is a paramount means of keeping you and your properties out of harm’s way.
Tired of fulfilling it yourself? Why not give Real Property Management Southland a call? It doesn’t matter if you own one rental home or quite a lot, our motivation is to protect and maximize your real estate investment. Substantiated by over 30 years of nationwide experience, our team of Carson property managers is here to guide rental homeowners to maximize rental income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. Contact us online or give us a call at 562-270-1777 today.