According to the National Fire Protection Association, many house fires are caused by improper removal and disposal of ashes and embers from a fireplace or wood-burning insert or stove. Ashes should be removed with an ash shovel and placed in a metal ash container with a bottom edge that keeps the base of the container off of the floor. The container should be covered. then taken outside. Ashes should be placed on the ground or on a concrete structure where no combustible materials such as leaves or twigs are near. The ashes should be thoroughly wetted with a hose or take a container of water along with the ashes, pour water over them, then cover the ashes with dirt. Ash containers are available at specialty hearth stores or online.
According to Missouri State Certified Fire Investigator Gene Padgitt, ashes can contain small embers that may smolder for days. Padgitt said “A fire occurred in Grain Valley, Missouri on December 31, 2011 after a man placed ashes from his fireplace in his back yard on December 29. Dry leaves moved over the ashes two days later, and when he happened to look out the window he saw that his entire back yard was on fire and the flames were headed towards a wooded area. Luckily the homeowner and neighbors were able to contain the fire quickly.”
If ashes are placed hear anything combustible ignition is possible. Many house fires start on a front porch or deck, where homeowners may mistakenly believe they are safe. Heat can transfer from the container to combustibles below or beside it as well. Wood does not need direct flame to ignite – after it is exposed to heat for a while it can ignite at a lower temperature.
Tips:
- Do not use plastic buckets for ash removal
- Do not use metal containers without a raised bottom
- Take ash out to a clear spot on the ground or on concrete
- Wet ashes down
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