Fire Prevention Week 2026 runs from October 4–10. This year’s national theme focuses on safe charging and lithium-ion battery awareness, but the week is also a useful reminder to review fire risks around fireplaces, wood stoves, chimneys, and other home heating systems.

Before the first fire of the season, inspect the fireplace, confirm the chimney is ready, test alarms, and clear the hearth area. Use this fireplace and chimney safety checklist as a practical fall maintenance guide.

Schedule an Annual Fireplace and Chimney Inspection

A fireplace may look fine from the room while problems are developing higher in the chimney. Creosote buildup, corrosion, damaged liners, animal nesting, and other blockages can affect how safely combustion gases leave the home.

Have fuel-burning heating systems, fireplaces, chimneys, flues, and vents inspected each year by a qualified professional.

An inspection can identify:

• Creosote or soot accumulation
• Cracked or damaged chimney liners
• Loose or disconnected vent sections
• Corrosion
• Blockages or animal nesting
• Damaged chimney caps
• Flashing or water-entry problems
• Deteriorated masonry

If cleaning or repair is recommended, complete it before regular fireplace use begins.

Clean Creosote and Soot Before They Become a Bigger Problem

Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves produce deposits that can collect inside the chimney. Creosote is especially important because it can ignite and contribute to a chimney fire.

Do not rely on chemical cleaners alone to replace mechanical inspection and cleaning. Chimney brushes, rods, rotary tools, and other maintenance equipment should be selected for the exact flue or liner material.

If buildup is heavy, the chimney is difficult to access, or the liner condition is uncertain, use a qualified chimney professional.

Check the Chimney Cap and Roof Termination

Before fireplace season, inspect the chimney cap for damage, loose hardware, corrosion, leaves, nests, and debris.

A properly matched chimney cap can help reduce the entry of rain, animals, and larger debris while allowing exhaust gases to leave the chimney.

Look for:

• Damaged or missing screens
• Loose fasteners
• Debris or animal nesting
• Corrosion or physical damage
• Obstructions that could restrict exhaust

Do not replace a system-specific cap with a generic product simply because the diameter appears similar. Factory-built chimney systems may require termination components designed for the exact product family.

Inspect Chimney Flashing, Crown, and Exterior Masonry

Water can contribute to chimney deterioration. Cracked crowns, failed flashing, missing mortar, and porous masonry may allow moisture into the structure.

Look for:

• Cracked crown surfaces
• Loose or missing mortar
• Spalling brick
• Gaps around flashing
• Water staining
• Damaged sealants
• Rust or corrosion

Different problems require different repairs. A masonry water repellent does not repair structural cracks. A crown coating does not replace failed flashing, and flashing sealant should not hide loose or missing flashing.

Address the source of water entry before applying a surface treatment.

Keep Combustibles Away From the Fireplace

Items that can burn should stay at least three feet from fireplaces and wood stoves.

Keep furniture, curtains, rugs, firewood, paper, decorations, clothing, and toys away from the heat source. Pay particular attention during fall and winter decorating, when seasonal items may be placed closer to the fireplace.

Keep children and pets away from fireplace doors, screens, hearth surfaces, and stove bodies. Glass and metal can remain hot after the visible fire is out.

Use a Fireplace Screen or Spark Guard

A tempered glass or metal fireplace screen helps keep sparks and embers inside the fire area.

Check that the screen is stable and free from holes, broken mesh, or damaged hinges. It should cover the opening without interfering with fireplace operation.

For outdoor wood-burning fire pits, a compatible spark guard can also help contain popping embers. A spark screen reduces risk but does not replace proper clearance and supervision.

Never leave an active fire unattended.

Open the Damper Before Starting a Fire

Before lighting a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the damper is open and the chimney has a clear exhaust path.

Keep the damper open while the fire is burning and until the ashes are cool. Closing it too early can allow smoke and combustion gases to enter the home.

If smoke spills into the room even with the damper open, stop using the fireplace and investigate the cause. Blockage, poor draft, insufficient combustion air, or damaged venting may require attention.

Burn the Right Fuel

Burn only fuel approved for the fireplace or stove.

For wood-burning fireplaces, use dry, seasoned firewood. Do not burn trash, plastics, treated lumber, painted wood, or other household materials.

Never use gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or another flammable liquid to start an indoor fireplace fire.

If using manufactured fire logs, follow both the product and fireplace manufacturer’s directions.

Handle Fireplace Ashes Carefully

Ashes can remain hot long after the fire appears to be out.

Allow ashes to cool before removal, then place them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outside and away from the home and combustible materials until everything is completely cold.

Do not place warm ashes in cardboard boxes, plastic containers, paper bags, or ordinary trash containers. Hidden embers can remain hot enough to ignite surrounding materials.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Working alarms are a critical part of fireplace safety.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and inside bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level and outside sleeping areas.

Replace batteries according to the alarm manufacturer’s instructions and replace alarms when they reach the end of their recommended service life.

Never ignore an alarm. If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get outside and follow emergency procedures.

Review Your Home Fire Escape Plan

Fire Prevention Week is a good time to make sure everyone in the home knows what to do if a fire occurs.

Confirm that:

• Exits are accessible
• Everyone knows the escape plan
• Children understand not to hide
• Everyone knows the outdoor meeting location
• Fire extinguishing equipment is accessible

Do not try to fight a large or spreading fire yourself. Get everyone outside and call emergency services.

Complete Repairs Before the First Fire

Do not postpone a known chimney or fireplace problem because the system still appears usable.

Before lighting the first seasonal fire, address damaged chimney pipe, loose stovepipe connections, failed mortar, cracked crowns, deteriorated flashing, missing caps, damaged screens, and other identified defects.

Modern Hearth & Home carries chimney brushes and rods, chimney caps, liner components, chimney repair products, water repellents, flashing sealants, firestop components, and other maintenance supplies for compatible systems.

Always match replacement parts to the exact chimney, venting system, appliance, and manufacturer requirements.

Make Fireplace Safety Part of Your Fall Routine

Fire Prevention Week 2026 is October 4–10, making early October a practical time to complete fireplace and chimney checks before colder weather brings more frequent use.

Start with professional inspection, remove dangerous buildup, check the chimney termination and exterior masonry, maintain a clear hearth area, and verify that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work.

A seasonal checklist makes it easier to identify maintenance needs before the first fire and keep the fireplace, chimney, and surrounding home ready for the heating season.