Sanatoga Fire Company    |   home Smoke Alarms   |   Getting out of your Home   |   Space Heaters   |   Matches & Lighters   |   Burns   |   Fireplaces   |   Driving Fireplaces Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned as necessary. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned annually will reduce the risk of a chimney fire and possible carbon monoxide poisoning due to the buildup of creosote or other obstructions in the chimney. You can locate a trained chimney inspecting company by checking in the yellow pages under "Fireplaces" or by contacting the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Keep the fire safe. Using manufactured fire logs in fireplaces prevents the build up of creosote in the flue. Be sure to use well seasoned fire wood and wood that has been properly stored and dried. When building a fire, be sure to place the wood towards the rear of the fire box on top of a supporting grate. Never overload the fireplace and do not burn garbage or glossy paper products as this will cause an increase in buildup in the flue.  Always use a metal mesh screen that will prevent sparks from flying out of the fireplace and onto combustibles. Never leave a fire unattended. Before going to bed or leaving the house, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Never leave children or pets unattended while a fire is burning.