# Fireplace Safety Tips for Winter

> Tracy Zarriello shares chimney maintenance to prevent fires and keep homes warm this winter.
- Title: Fireplace Safety Tips for Winter · Family Handyman | Shortify
- Summary: Tracy Zarriello shares chimney maintenance to prevent fires and keep homes warm this winter. Homeowners should inspect chimneys annually and burn seasoned…
- Keywords: tracy zarriello, queen sweep chimney, creosote, chimney inspection, wood burning fireplace, chimney cap, fireplace safety, seasoned hardwood, Fireplace, Safety, Tips, Winter
- Source: Family Handyman — https://familyhandyman.com/article/fireplace-tips-safety
- Author: Ally Childress
- Published: 2026-10-05T15:06:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tracy zarriello, queen sweep chimney, creosote, chimney inspection, wood burning fireplace, chimney cap, fireplace safety, seasoned hardwood
## Know Your Fireplace Type
Fireplace maintenance depends on the type: wood-burning requires regular cleaning and firewood, gas fireplaces need less care, and electric models are purely decorative.
## Creosote: The Hidden Hazard
Creosote is a flammable residue created when wood smoke cools in the chimney, starting as light soot and becoming dangerous tarlike deposits.
## Chimney Fire Risks
Chimney fires can exceed 2,000 degrees and cause cracked flues, structural damage, and carbon monoxide leaks if unnoticed.
## Preventing Creosote Buildup
Burn seasoned hardwoods with moisture content below 20 percent, keep the damper open, and use a fireplace screen to contain sparks.
## Annual Chimney Inspection
Have a professional inspect your chimney at least once a year to check for creosote, water damage, and proper ventilation.
## Chimney Cleaning Logs
Chimney-cleaning logs do not eliminate hardened creosote and are not a substitute for professional chimney maintenance.
## Chimney Cap Importance
A properly installed chimney cap prevents rainwater and pests from entering and helps contain sparks.
## Key takeaway

Homeowners should inspect chimneys annually and burn seasoned hardwoods to avoid creosote buildup and chimney fires.