In this article, we will discuss how to put out a fire in the fireplace to ensure you avoid a hazard. If you’re interested, read on for more!
There are two different ways to put out fires in a fireplace.
Method 1: Using Water
The first obvious method is to put out a fire in the fireplace using water. Please be very careful using this method, it can be dangerous! Consider other methods before using water.
Step 1: Fill A Plastic Bottle With Water
Now, just pouring water onto the fireplace can be dangerous because it will create a lot of smoke that can fill the room. So, it is best to use a spray bottle to target the fire. A medium-sized spray bottle would be best.
Step 2: Use The Fire Poker
Next, you need to use a fire poker to spread the embers and the firewood. This will allow them to cool faster because they will be lying flat.
Step 3: Spray The Fire
Now, you need to spray the fire with a spray bottle. Spray the water until all of the embers and firewood has been covered. They should be damp enough that they will be extinguished without trouble.
Step 4: Double-Check The Fire
Before you leave the fireplace unattended, you should make sure that the fire is completely out. There should be no sign of flames or any burning embers. If the fire does restart, spray it again with water.
Method 2: Using Baking Soda
A great alternative to using water to put out your fire is to use baking soda.
Step 1: Use The Fire Poker
As before, use the fire poker to spread the embers and firewood so they lie flat. Not only will this allow everything to cool faster, but it will allow the baking soda to be poured equally.
Step 2: Scoop Ash Over The Firewood
Now, you need to take a metal shovel (make sure it does not have a metal handle!) and scoop up ash. Then, pour the ash over the wood. Do this until you have extinguished the flames.
Step 3: Pour Baking Soda Into The Fire
Now, all you need to do is pour a thin layer of baking soda over the firewood and embers. Baking soda is a useful tool for putting out fires because it contains sodium bicarbonate, the
same thing found in many fire extinguishers. Not only that, but baking soda will produce carbon dioxide when hot, which stops the fire from starting again.
Step 4: Double-Check The Fire
As before, wait a few moments by the fireplace to ensure it doesn’t restart. If it does, then scoop more ash onto it, followed by more baking soda. Do this until the fire is out.
What Should You Do With The Ashes?
When the fire has cooled, you will need to remove the ashes from the fireplace. The ash will take several hours to cool down, so you can choose to leave them in the fireplace overnight should you wish.
To remove the ashes, you will need a metal shovel. Use it to scoop the ash out of the fireplace. Please note that the embers may still be hot, so you should complete this task with care.
Once you have removed the ash, you need to dispose of it in a metal trash can – please do not use any other kind of garbage disposal to get rid of your ash.
Once the ash has been disposed of, you can take the trash can outside and place it in a safe area, ready to be picked up.
Safety Tips For Putting Out Fires In Fireplaces
Here are some additional tips so you can put out fires in fireplaces as safely as possible.
1. Keep A Fire Extinguisher Close To The Fire
Just in case of an emergency, you should always have a fire extinguisher close to your fireplace. So, if an accident happens and the fire gets larger, you will be able to put it out safely before the situation grows worse.
2. Let The Ash Cool Before Removing It
You should never try to remove hot ash. Hot ash is a fire hazard and poses a safety risk to yourself and your home.
3. Do Not Remove Ash With A Vacuum Cleaner
Ashes need to be cleaned with a metal shovel, not a vacuum cleaner. It can be difficult to tell if there are still live sparks within the ashes, and if there are, the vacuum will reignite them thanks to the air it produces. This poses a great safety risk.
4. Burn Fires For A Short Period Of Time
It is best to put out a fire in the fireplace within a few hours after you have started burning wood. If you let it burn for several hours or leave it burning overnight, then this may cause a house fire or damage the fireplace.
How To Put Out A Gas Fireplace
Compared to wood-burning fireplaces, fires in gas fireplaces are a lot easier to put out. There are usually only two ways to do this. The first is to extinguish the fire by flicking a switch on the unit.
The second is to extinguish the fire at the gas bottle shut-off valve.
Final Thoughts
To put out a fire in a wood-burning fireplace, you must first use a fire poker to spread the embers and wood. Then, you can choose one of two ways to put out the fire. The first is to spray water onto the wood.
The second is to cover the embers and wood with ash and then pour a thin layer of baking soda on top.
You should always wait a few moments to ensure the fire does not start again. If you have chosen the second method, wait a few hours for the ash to cool before disposing of it safely.
When it comes to gas fireplaces, simply flick a switch or turn off the gas valve to extinguish the fire.
Hi, I am Stevie Morris. As a qualified electrician, I have installed countless electric fires and worked on projects with all types of fireplaces, including wood burning, bioethanol, and gas installations.
By working hands-on with different brands, you quickly become an expert on the best fireplaces and those you should avoid.
My family also owns the largest online retailer of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces in the UK. Although not part of the family business, I regularly help when needed.
I hope you can benefit from my experience and impartiality, which I have gained from installing fireplaces and seeing the family's fire pit business grow.
