Fireplace maintenance and safety checks to do this winter

Fireplace safety checklist – all types

While maintenance tasks between different types of fireplaces can vary, several safety measures are applicable regardless of the fireplace or fuel type.

• All fireplaces should have a fire screen placed in front of them. This helps keep children and pets away from the fireplace, as well as prevent ash and embers blowing into the room with wood-burning fireplaces.
• Do not place anything on or above the fireplace, including art and televisions. Keep furniture a minimum of one metre away and secure anything that could fall into the fireplace if knocked (e.g. photo frames and lamps).
• Keep any flammable materials like towels and blankets well away from the fireplace at all times.
• Do not leave children unattended in a house with a lit fireplace.
• Turn off or extinguish the fireplace before going to sleep or leaving the house.

How to maintain different types of fireplaces

Wood fireplaces

Have your chimney cleaned annually by a certified professional to remove the build-up of soot and creosote. It’s best to do this at the end of the season before summer, when there is less humidity in the air.

Ask your chimney sweeper to check that your chimney is structurally sound and look for any cracks in the firebox, flue and liner. They’ll also clean your chimney cap, ensuring everything is in good shape for another season.

Keep a one inch-thick layer of ash at the bottom of the firebox. This insulates as well as makes it easier to build up fires. Remove ash as necessary to maintain that layer, ensuring the ash and embers are completely cool and the damper closed before attempting removal.

Wear a safety mask and gloves when removing the cold ashes, placing them in a metal container. Never attempt to vacuum up ash or embers. The cold ashes can be disposed of in your regular household waste bin or small amounts put in your home compost bin. They can also be or directly scattered onto garden beds to add potassium, calcium and magnesium to the soil.

Electric fireplaces

Depending on the model of electric fireplace you’ll need to replace the lightbulbs every two to ten years. This is similar to replacing a bulb in a standard light fitting and shouldn’t require more tools than a screwdriver.

Otherwise inspect and clean the heater annually to keep it dust and debris-free. Disconnect it from electricity, allow it to cool completely and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the surface and both sides of the glass.

You can use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum to clean the heater outlets gently. Wipe surfaces with a lint-free cloth to finish.

Gas log fireplaces

When it comes to maintaining your gas log fireplace, you'll need to turn to a professional. This work is usually carried out by a plumber, who must also be a licensed Type A gasfitter.

Anyone with gas heating (including your fireplace) is strongly recommended to have their system or appliance serviced at least every two years by a licenced professional.

Firepits and outdoor fireplaces

Outdoor firepits and fireplaces are a popular backyard feature for their ability to provide heat, light and a socialising space.

Your firepit should be positioned at least three metres away from any structure or combustible surface, including your house, your neighbour’s house and your fence line.

Like indoor fireplaces, furniture should be kept a minimum of one metre away.

Reduce the risk of fire escaping by setting up the pit on a solid and level surface such as gravel or stone. Remove any overhanging branches, lights or structures that could catch fire, and only use dry wood to fuel your fire.

Know what to do if a fire occurs

It is important to have a home fire escape plan in the event of an emergency. Download and read Fire Rescue Victoria's Home Fire Safety Booklet, which is available in more than 20 languages and has safety tips for people of all ages. If a fire occurs in your home, get everyone out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000).