Chimney and Fireplace Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

Yep, it’s pumpkin spice season, whether you like it or not. And that means holiday get-togethers are right around the corner, like it or not. If you own a fireplace, you know how it sets the tone for warm and memorable get-togethers. However, despite their beauty and nostalgia, fireplaces pose significant safety hazards. It’s a literal fire burning in your house! That’s why you need to be smart about fireplace safety so your holiday season is memorable for all the right reasons.

Here are our favorite tips to keep your Thanksgiving (and the rest of your holidays) warm, bright, and accident-free.

Start With a Clean Slate (and Chimney)

Before lighting your first fire of the holiday season, ensure the fireplace and chimney are clean and ready for use. That means hiring a professional chimney sweep. Over time, creosote —a sticky, highly flammable substance derived from burning wood —builds up on the inside of the chimney. Don’t think this is a problem? Well, creosote can ignite at temperatures as low as 451°F. For context, a fire in the fireplace can easily burn in excess of 450 degrees, and even just 1/8″ of buildup can be a problem.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, and possibly twice a year if you use your fireplace regularly. The best time? Ideally, right before the heating season begins—that’s now! Pros can remove creosote, clear out any animal nests or debris (or, in the worst cases, bodies), and check for loose mortar or cracks that could compromise safety and allow smoke to escape into your home.

Burn the Right Wood (and Only Wood)

It might be tempting to use your fireplace as an incinerator and burn wrapping paper, trash, leftover turkey bones, or anything else, but don’t do it. Burning anything other than dry, seasoned wood can release toxic fumes or cause dangerous flare-ups.

Avoid “green” or freshly cut wood as well, because it contains moisture that makes it harder to burn and produces more smoke, resulting in more creosote. Instead, choose hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory that have been drying for at least six months to a year. These woods burn hotter, cleaner, and longer, making your fireplace more efficient and your holidays less smoky.

Use a Fireplace Screen

You know that cozy crackle you love? It’s caused by tiny air pockets in the wood that can occasionally send sparks flying. To prevent those sparks or small embers from landing on the carpet, rug, or furniture, always use a sturdy fireplace screen.

Glass doors are another good option for containing sparks and reducing heat loss when the fire isn’t burning. Just remember to keep the doors open while the fire is lit for good airflow; closing them too early can cause smoke buildup.

Don’t Leave the Fire Unattended

“I just need to run down the street to the store. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.” Let’s be clear: fires are unpredictable. Even a small log can shift unexpectedly, sending sparks where they don’t belong, and suddenly, those few minutes of being gone mean coming home to a disaster.

It’s not worth the risk. Before heading out to the store or for that post-dinner walk, make sure the fire is completely out. Spread out the ashes, pour water over them, and stir until everything is cool to the touch. Yes, we know, it’s a hassle, but hot embers can reignite hours later, and that’s not the kind of “warm glow” anyone wants on Thanksgiving or Christmas evening.

Mind Your Mantel Décor

We get it, the mantel is prime real estate for holiday decorating. Stockings, garlands, and twinkling lights create the perfect living room scene, right out of an interior decorating magazine. But anything flammable hanging too close to the flames is a significant fire hazard.

Keep decorations at least three feet away from the fireplace opening, and use flame-resistant materials when possible. If you’re hanging stockings, wait until the fire is completely out before putting them up, or move them aside when the fire is lit.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The holidays are a busy time, but there’s one task you can’t skip. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly, and replace the batteries as needed. Both smoke and carbon monoxide can spread quickly and silently. Carbon monoxide is particularly deadly because you can’t see or smell it without a detector.

Need Help? Call the Pros at Chimney Solutions

Chimney Solutions is the go-to chimney and fireplace service company in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. We’re here for all your fireplace and chimney needs, from cleaning and repairs to installations and more. Contact us today!