Fireplaces

• If using either an artificial log or a fire starter—or even if starting a fire without the use of either—always be sure that the chimney damper is open fully. Open the damper prior to lighting the fire. That way if you aren’t sure about its position, you can look up through the chimney to see if it is open. Once you have the fire lit, use a grate and fire screen to keep embers from popping into the room. If you have glass doors on the fireplace, leave them open as the extreme heat may shatter the glass if closed.
  
  

Don’t Overload

• Use one artificial log at a time and replace it only when it burns out. Artificial logs often last for up to three hours, so you may need no more than one. Using more than one fire starter is wasteful, as one is all you will need. Don’t add wood on top of an artificial log or place one onto burning wood. Artificial logs often burn hotter than wood and the fire may become uncontrollable.
  
  

Playing with Fire

• Do not jab at an artificial log or fire starter log while it is burning. Because many types of each use wax in the chemical composition, burning material may adhere to the poker and, if unnoticed, may wind up outside the fireplace or fire pit where it could present problems. Splitting a burning artificial log can lead to an intense flare-up and production of copious sparks that may travel some distance.
  
  

Fire Extinguisher

• Whether making your fire in a fireplace or outside in a fire pit or other fire container, keep a fire extinguisher handy. For conventional fires, a Class A fire extinguisher (water) will work fine should it get out of control. However, if using an artificial log, be sure you have a Class B extinguisher handy because the chemicals used in such logs may continue to burn and spread when hit with water alone. For safety and convenience, an ABC fire extinguisher is always the best to have on hand.
  
  

Cooking Over Fire

• While it’s safe to cook over a wood fire ignited by a fire starter, be sure the substance is out completely before cooking. Never cook food over an artificial log. Both fire starters and artificial logs contain chemicals, such as binders (glue) to hold the sawdust together and kerosene-like fuels to keep it burning.
  
  

Common Sense

• As with any fire, never leave it unattended and keep an eye on children in the area so they don’t get too close. Remember to set a good example for kids by not playing with fire and teaching them of how foolish such activities are. When extinguishing the fire (if using a fire pit), the chemicals in the artificial log should be long gone when it burns low and you can use water safely; sand works just as well, and won’t leave the fire pit wet, which can make building a morning fire difficult when camping.