1. Use Dry, Seasoned Hardwood

• Why: Wet or green wood creates excess smoke and creosote buildup, while hardwoods burn hotter and cleaner.
• Tip: Store wood for at least 6 months to ensure it’s fully dried and seasoned. Oak, maple, hickory, and ash are ideal hardwoods that produce long-lasting fires with less creosote.

2. Open the Damper

• Why: A closed damper traps smoke and carbon monoxide inside homes.
• Tip: Always ensure the damper is fully open before starting a fire.

3. Crack a Window

• Why: Fires need oxygen to burn efficiently, and cracking a window improves airflow and reduces the risk of backdrafts.
• Tip: Open a nearby window slightly to increase ventilation and airflow.

4. Start with Small Kindling

• Why: Using small, dry pieces of wood helps ignite the fire evenly.
• Tip: Stack kindling in a crisscross pattern to increase airflow.

5. Keep the Fire Size Manageable

• Why: Overloading the fireplace can lead to overheating and structural damage.
• Tip: Build medium-sized fires that allow proper air circulation.

9. Avoid Burning Trash or Paper

• Why: Non-wood materials create toxic fumes and excessive creosote.
• Tip: Stick to burning only seasoned hardwood for a cleaner burn.

10. Extinguish the Fire Properly

• Why: Leaving a fire smoldering can lead to accidental flare-ups.
• Tip: Let the fire burn down to ash, then spread the ashes and use sand or water to fully extinguish.

11. Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels

• Why: Incomplete burning can release harmful gases into your home.
• Tip: Install carbon monoxide detectors near the fireplace and throughout your home.