Q: Can you completely fireproof a house?

• <div><p>No, you can&rsquo;t completely fireproof a house. There is always a chance that a fire can break out inside or outside your home. Even if most of the home is built with fireproof materials, a long-burning fire can still cause damage. Still, fireproofing efforts can buy you additional time to evacuate and give you a better chance of salvaging your home after a fire rather than needing to rebuild entirely.</p></div>

Q: How often do I need to have my private fire hydrant inspected and tested?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=25">National Fire Protection Association&rsquo;s</a> Code NFPA 25 (titled &ldquo;Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems&rdquo;), private fire hydrants must undergo inspection once per year, with an accompanying flow test and any necessary maintenance performed on the same schedule. Keep in mind that your town, city, or county may adopt more or less strict testing requirements. </p></div>

Question 1

Can you use a fireplace after the insert is removed?

Accepted Answer

•

In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.

Question 2

Can you completely fireproof a house?

Accepted Answer

•

No, you can’t completely fireproof a house. There is always a chance that a fire can break out inside or outside your home. Even if most of the home is built with fireproof materials, a long-burning fire can still cause damage. Still, fireproofing efforts can buy you additional time to evacuate and give you a better chance of salvaging your home after a fire rather than needing to rebuild entirely.

Question 3

What if my smoke detector is too high to reach?

Accepted Answer

•

Your smoke detector might be too high in some homes or circumstances to reach yourself. If you feel unsafe getting on a ladder to replace your hardwired smoke detector, call a licensed electrician or local handyman to knock this project off your to-do list. If you have a battery-operated smoke detector, your local fire department can change the batteries or help you replace the detector—just make sure you call the non-emergency number.

In any case, do not let this project go unresolved, as it could turn into a huge safety issue.

Question 4

Can an overheated compressor cause a fire?

Accepted Answer

•

Yes, it is possible. An electrical fire can break out if the compressor has inadequate ventilation. When it overheats but doesn't have a proper thermal cutout, this can cause the motor to short-circuit and catch fire. This risk is exacerbated if flammable materials, like dust and fallen leaves, are clogging the unit. The compressor overheating won't start a fire by itself, but poor maintenance and installation can increase the risk once it hits its breaking point and short-circuits.

Question 5

How often do I need to have my private fire hydrant inspected and tested?

Accepted Answer

•

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s Code NFPA 25 (titled “Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems”), private fire hydrants must undergo inspection once per year, with an accompanying flow test and any necessary maintenance performed on the same schedule. Keep in mind that your town, city, or county may adopt more or less strict testing requirements.