Why Fireplace Safety Matters for Property Owners
Fireplaces offer added appeal in single-family rental homes, but they also introduce serious fire hazards that landlords and homeowners must understand. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment, including fireplaces, causes approximately 22,000 home fires annually in the U.S., resulting in hundreds of deaths and more than $1 billion in property damage. As a property owner, understanding fireplace safety is key to protecting your investment, maintaining resident safety, and reducing exposure to liability.
What Causes Fireplace Fires in Homes?
The main reasons for fireplace-related house fires stem from creosote buildup and chimney blockages. Wood-burning fireplaces create creosote, a thick, tar-like substance formed from soot and ash that gradually builds up on chimney walls. If not removed regularly, creosote becomes very flammable and can ignite at temperatures as low as 451°F, leading to chimney fires that can spread rapidly throughout the home.
Chimney blockages are another major concern. Bird nests, leaves, animal debris, or failing masonry can block airflow and cause problems such as:
- Sparks and embers escaping into living spaces, igniting carpets, furniture, and curtains.
- Carbon monoxide and toxic fumes backing up into the home, particularly dangerous in gas fireplaces.
- Reduced fireplace efficiency and increased fire risk.
For landlords, these hazards can lead to property damage, liability exposure, and risks to resident safety. Proactive prevention is essential.
How to Prevent Fireplace Fires: Essential Safety Practices
Use Proper Fuel and Materials
Educating tenants on how to use the fireplace safely is an essential part of fire prevention. Include clear rules in your lease agreement, such as:
- Wood-burning fireplaces: Use only well-seasoned hardwood that has been dried for 6–12 months and has a moisture content below 20%. Never burn treated wood, cardboard, trash, or materials containing chemicals or accelerants.
- Gas fireplaces: Flames should never contain foreign items. Unauthorized materials can create toxic fumes and dangerous flare-ups.
- Electric fireplaces: Always follow manufacturer guidelines and avoid blocking heating elements.
Burning the wrong materials can lead to chimney fires reaching over 2000°F. At these temperatures, masonry may crack, metal parts can melt, and attic spaces, roofs, and siding can ignite. The damage can be severe and expensive.
Fireplace Safety Equipment and Monitoring Requirements
Owning or managing a property requires maintaining proper safety equipment, including:
- Fire extinguishers: Place ABC-rated fire extinguishers within 10 feet of fireplaces and teach tenants how to use them.
- Smoke alarms: Install on every floor, test monthly, and replace batteries twice a year.
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Required within 15 feet of bedrooms; follow the same schedule as smoke alarms for testing and battery replacement.
- Fireplace screens or glass doors: Essential for wood-burning fireplaces to contain sparks and embers.
- Operating manuals: Provide copies to residents and keep originals in your property files.
- Add fireplace safety rules to your lease, such as never leaving a fire unattended, keeping a 3-foot clearance around the fireplace, and supervising children and pets when the fireplace is on.
How Often Should Fireplaces Be Inspected and Cleaned?
Regular professional maintenance is your top defense against fireplace fires. Recommendations from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and NFPA include:
- Annual inspections: Schedule professional chimney inspections each year prior to the heating season, regardless of usage.
- Regular cleanings: Clean wood-burning chimneys after every cord of wood or at least annually.
- Gas fireplace servicing: Inspect pilot lights, gas valves, sensors, and venting systems annually.
- Documentation: Maintain thorough records of all inspections, cleanings, and repairs for liability protection and insurance claims.
Hiring a CSIA-certified chimney sweep provides a detailed inspection of the chimney, flue, damper, and firebox. Professionals can spot creosote buildup and other dangers before emergencies arise. For landlords, these records show you are taking care of your property diligently.
Provide written lease instructions on how to use the fireplace and confirm that the lease explains who is responsible for maintenance.
Professional Property Management for Fireplace Safety
Taking care of fireplace safety, conducting inspections, and training tenants is a complex task. Property management companies are equipped to manage these responsibilities:
- Scheduling and managing annual chimney inspections.
- Ensuring all safety equipment is functional and up to code.
- Offering thorough tenant education and lease documentation.
- Keeping complete maintenance records for liability protection.
- Performing consistent property inspections to verify fireplace safety compliance.
If handling property details feels overwhelming, Real Property Management Innovation is here to help. We focus on protecting single-family rental properties and maximizing your investment returns. Our expert East Rockaway property management team takes responsibility for fireplace safety and all maintenance tasks, minimizing your liability and boosting rental income. Contact us online or call 516-570-9275 today to see how we protect property owners.
Originally Published on January 17, 2020