Sitting around a fireplace is a tradition of the holiday season for everyone to enjoy and share in celebrations.

Here are some tips on how to ensure the safety of your home, family and guests:

• Use a small amount of dry wood to build your fire; do not overload your wood stove or fireplace as burning too much can damage the wood burning unit and piping;
• Always remove any stockings or decorations hanging on or near the wood stove or fireplace before lighting a fire;
• Never add highly flammable materials or substances such as wrapping paper or gasoline to your fire; and
• Never set up a Christmas tree close to a wood stove or fireplace;
• Carbon monoxide alarms are necessary if you have a wood burning unit in your home. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct installation;
• Open the damper in a fireplace to enable proper air flow and keep it open until the fire is out and ashes have cooled;
• Never go to bed with a fireplace still burning; and
• Inspect, maintain, and clean your chimney regularly to prevent chimney fires.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNL  for holiday safety tips.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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