A wood burning fireplace is a wonderful item to enjoy during the holiday months. As fireplaces continue to be used, ashes build up over time and at some point must be cleaned out. Improperly disposing fireplace ashes can lead to a house fire. If you plan to use a wood burning fireplace, please follow these steps to safely dispose the ashes:
- Treat all ashes as hot
- Wait at least 24 hours after a fire before removing ashes
- After 24 hours, use a metal poker to inspect the ashes, making sure they are cool
- Always use an ash bucket (container made of non-flammable material such as metal) to place the ashes before disposal
- Do not add live embers or anything combustible to the ash bucket
- Place a metal lid over the ash bucket to reduce the possibility of oxygen reaching a live ember or smoldering ashes in the ash bucket
- Store the ash bucket in a well ventilated location
- Pour a little water over the ashes in the ash bucket
- Allow the ash bucket to sit for at least 3 days before disposing of the ashes
With these tips, you can keep your home safe while disposing fireplace ashes.