Washington, D.C. (Nov. 28, 1974) -- As wintry weather
and fuel conservation bring fireplaces into increasing
popularity, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reminds
consumers that more than 6,000 children and adults required
hospital emergency room treatment last year for injuries
associated with fireplaces and fireplace equipment.
Children under five years old sustained 65 percent
of the injuries reported to the Commission; about 15 percent
of the injured were between five and ten years old. Although
most injuries involved lacerations, five percent were burns
which frequently are among the most painful and long lasting
injuries.
Injury reports in Commission files record cases in
which children's nightclothes ignited when they stood too
close to an open fireplace: a student's brushed denim jeans
ignited while she was warming her legs near a fireplace with
gas fireplace logs; adults and teenagers received severe
burns when gasoline or other liquid fuel was mistakenly
poured on fires in attempts to rekindle them.
A less obvious hazard resulted in injuries for at
least two families who were overcome by carbon monoxide
or other toxic fumes. One family tried to burn charcoal
in the fireplace and the other had accidentally thrown some
polystyrene foam packaging onto the fire.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates
that there will be 14,000 house fires this year started
by fireplaces. Major causes of these fires include
overloading the fire, damage to the fireplace such as
missing bricks, obstructed flues, ignition of nearby
combustibles, and flying sparks.
Factory made built-in metal fireplaces that were
overloaded with fuel or improperly installed were
associated with a number of fires last year.
After 15 to 20 fires in the same county were
traced to this style fireplace, one Fire Chief urged the use
of "small romantic fires" rather than roaring blazes that
could cause the fireplace to overheat over a period of time
and ignite nearby materials.
For the safer enjoyment of the nation's 22 million
fireplaces, the Commission recommends the following safety
precautions:
Be sure the fireplace was constructed for actual
use, not just for decoration. Inspect it to be sure that
it has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts and that
the chimney is clear and in good repair.
If installing a factory-made fireplace, insure
that it is not near any combustible materials and has
adequate flame and heat barriers.
Open the damper before lighting the fire and
keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert
the build-up of poisonous gases, especially while the
family is sleeping.
Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other
fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can
explode. Never keep flammable fuels near a fire. Vapors
can travel the length of a room and explode.
Do not use coal or charcoal in a fireplace because
because of the danger of carbon monoxide build-up. It is
not a good idea to burn trash or wrappings in fireplace
fires because polystyrene foam and other coated materials
can generate deadly fumes. Flying paper embers could also
ignite the roof.
Do not treat artificial logs like real logs.
Artificial logs are usually made of sawdust and wax and have
special burning properties. Be sure to read the instructions
on the logs and follow them carefully. Use just one log at
a time and do not add another log until the fire is completely
out. Never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that
is already burning. Wait at least two hours before adding
an artificial log to a natural log fire because it could
cause a flare-up.
Do not poke artificial logs because the flaming wax
could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet.
Poking a log could also cause a flare-up.
Home rolled newspaper logs should never be soaked
in flammable fuels of any kind because of the severe danger
of explosion. Soaking the newspaper in water either before
rolling or during rolling removes the clay content and will
provide a better burning log. Then, stack the logs on end
and let them dry for two weeks in the basement. When lighting
the newspaper logs, use kindling just as you would for a
regular fire.
Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can
lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly
if the fireplace is constructed of metal.
Always use a screen around the fireplace to keep
sparks from flying out and to protect children and adults
from accidental clothing ignition.
Warn children about the danger of fire. Do not
let them play with fire.
Keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows,
furniture or papers away from the fireplace area. Be sure
the Christmas tree is not close enough to be ignited by a
spark. Be especially careful of accidentally igniting
holiday wrapping papers.
Make sure that the fire is out completely
before retiring for the night or when leaving the house.
For a copy of the fireplace fact sheet or to report
a product hazard or product related injury, write: U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.
In continental United States, call the toll free safety
hotline: 800-638-2772.