Keep Your Home Safe This Holiday Season: What Not to Burn in Your Fireplace

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in front of a warm, crackling fireplace. But as much as you may enjoy the benefits of an indoor fire, it's important to stay safe and avoid burning the wrong materials in your fireplace. The holiday season is no exception--in fact, it's particularly important to exercise caution during this time of year, when you're likely burning more frequently and for longer periods of time. In this post, we'll explore some of the materials you should avoid burning in your fireplace, and explain how Sweeps N Ladders can help keep your home safe this holiday season.

1. Paper and Wrapping: It's tempting to toss wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, and even your old Christmas tree into the fireplace, but burning these materials can create creosote buildup in your chimney and cause a fire. Instead, recycle cardboard and wrapping paper, and dispose of your Christmas tree according to your town's guidelines.

2. Synthetic Materials: Plastics, fabrics, and other synthetic materials can release toxic fumes when burned. Avoid burning any item that isn't natural wood.

3. Scented Items: Avoid burning candles with artificial scents or potpourri with added fragrances. These materials can release chemical fumes when burned and may cause irritation to your eyes, skin, and lungs.

4. Painted or Treated Wood: Any wood that has been painted, stained, or treated with chemicals should not be burned in your fireplace. Burning these materials can lead to the release of toxic chemicals and can create dangerous air pollution.

5. Trash: Burning any type of household garbage or trash is illegal and dangerous. It can create more air pollution and can pose a risk to nearby homes and neighborhoods.

At Sweeps N Ladders, we want to help keep your home safe and healthy this holiday season. If you're concerned about the condition of your chimney or if you need advice on safe burning practices, contact us for a consultation. We offer chimney inspections, cleanings, and repairs to keep your fireplace operating at peak efficiency and to keep you and your family warm and safe. Remember, a little bit of prevention goes a long way when it comes to fire safety--so always burn responsibly