Fireplace fire: Attention throwing sparks
During the cold season, a warming fireplace becomes the epitome of coziness for many people. Unfortunately, fires occur time and again. The Fire Prevention Advisory Service (BfB) shows what measures can be taken to prevent fires.
The danger for apartment and house fires increases in the autumn and winter time. A frequent cause of fire is the throwing of sparks. Such fires are often caused by improper handling of fireplaces and wood stoves. In particular, uncontrolled sparks ignite easily combustible materials near the fire. To prevent home fires, the safety doors or metal curtains of wood stoves should be closed. For open fireplaces, the Fire Prevention Advisory Board (BfB), retrofit protective devices.
Combustible materials such as curtains or carpets must not come into contact with flames or sparks. Burning waste and cardboard in the fireplace is prohibited. It can lead to dangerous, uncontrollable fireplace fires. Ash glows out slowly. Fires can still be started after 48 hours. For this reason, ash must always be stored in a fire-safe container outdoors and allowed to sufficiently glow before disposal.
BfB safety tips at a glance
- Always close firebox doors or metal curtains of fireplaces.
- Retrofit open fireplaces and wood stoves with appropriate protective devices.
- Combustible materials do not belong near the flames or in the area of sparking.
- Burning waste is unlawful, can lead to dangerous chimney fires, and is punishable by law.
- Allow ash to burn out for at least 48 hours and dispose of only in a fireproof container.
- Disposing of ashes in the forest is prohibited. The ash must not be used as fertilizer.
- In small quantities, the ash can be disposed of via the refuse collection. Larger quantities must be disposed of at a suitable landfill site in consultation with the cantonal authorities.
- Fireplaces and wood stoves must be cleaned and maintained regularly by a professional.
