The City of New Castle, Indiana

More than one-third of households use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances to keep warm.

Before the start of every season, have your chimney inspected by a professional for proper installation, cracks, blockages, leaks, or creosote build-up.Creosote is a chemical substance that forms when wood burns and accumulates in chimneys.If allowed to build up it can cause a chimney fire.It needs to be removed.

• Have your chimney cleaned if necessary and be sure to open the flue for adequate ventilation when using the fireplace.
• Always use a fire screen and burn only materials appropriate for fireplaces, such as seasoned hardwood.
• If using manufactured fire logs, read and follow directions.  Never break the logs or use more than one log at a time.
• Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace.  Burning paper can float up your chimney and land on your roof or in your yard.
• Add wood to fireplaces carefully; sparks can fly into the room while the screen is open.
• Remove ashes from the grate by placing them in a metal container.
• Keep firewood stacked outdoors and away from your home.
• Bring in only as much wood as you need for one evening.
• Make sure you have a mesh screen spark arrester covering your chimney to prevent hot embers from landing on your roof or on your neighbor's roof.
• Always remove branches hanging above the chimney.