Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Tenafly, NJ

You can let a fire burn out in a fireplace as long as you or someone else will stick around to monitor it until it goes completely out. This may take several hours. To prepare, stop adding fuel to the fire well before you’re ready to call it a night. If you’re using the fireplace for warmth, you’ll want to cover up in some blankets as the flame dies down.

One of the best ways to know your chimney is good to go on any given night is to simply look up into your flue with a flashlight. If you see a thick buildup of creosote—a shiny, dark substance that looks like tar—it’s best to have your fireplace professionally cleaned before you go ahead with the burn. Additionally, having your fireplace professionally inspected once per year can also help increase your peace of mind and keep your family and your home safe.

Yes, there are regulations on using wood stoves, particularly concerning emissions and installation standards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets emission limits for wood stoves to ensure they burn cleaner and more efficiently. Additionally, local building codes may have specific requirements for installation and venting, so it's essential to check with local authorities before installing or upgrading your stove.

You should have either an ABC or K-rated fire extinguisher in the kitchen. ABC fire extinguishers put out wood, trash, paper, plastic, and textile fires along with grease, oil, gas, kerosene, and electrical fires. A class K fire extinguisher is specifically rated for use in the kitchen and is designed to extinguish combustible cooking materials, including grease and fat.