Municipal Affairs and Environment
December 7, 2017

Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety – Day 1

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment is marking the days leading up to the holiday season by providing seasonal fire safety tips during the 12 Days of Fire Safety. Every weekday until Christmas Eve, the department will describe steps that we can all take to protect our families and our homes from emergency situations.

As the holiday season approaches, it is important that we all ensure an enjoyable and safer evening around the fire by following these tips:

Lighting the fire

  • Open the damper to enable proper air flow and keep it open until the fire is out and ashes have cooled;
  • Use a small amount of dry wood to build your fire;
  • Do not overload your wood stove or fireplace as burning too much can cause flammable chimney build-up;
  • Never add highly flammable materials or substances such as wrapping paper or gasoline to your fire; and
  • Always place a screen in front of your fireplace to protect your loved ones and home from flankers or sparks.

Making the holidays safer

  • Always remove any stockings or decorations hanging on or near the wood stove or fireplace before lighting a fire;
  • Never set up a Christmas tree close to a wood stove or fireplace. Keep the tree a minimum of one metre away;
  • Avoid fires if impaired by alcohol or other drugs;
  • Never go to bed with a fireplace still burning; and
  • Inspect, maintain, and clean your chimney regularly to prevent chimney fires.

Learn More
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

2017 12 07                              11:10 a.m.