How to Put Out a Fire in a Fireplace

The cold weather is fast approaching. Pretty soon you’ll want to cozy up in front of a crackling fire. Worried about those rogue sparks that land on your floor? Now you don’t have to be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to putting out a fire so you can have peace of mind as you turn in for the night. Let us show you how to put out a fire in a fireplace

Step 1

Take your poker and spread your firewood evenly in a flat mound. This will accelerate the cooling process.

Step 2

With your fireplace shovel, take the ashes from your fireplace and/ or your ash can and toss them onto the firewood. Continue this process until the last embers die out.

Step 3

Sprinkle baking soda over the firewood and ash. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, which is used in Class C fire extinguishers. Sand works equally well to douse a fire; however, it makes a huge mess. Don’t use water, as this causes an even bigger mess and it takes a long time to put out the fire. 

Wait a few minutes to make sure the fire has gone out completely and doesn’t reignite. If the fire reignites, repeat this step.

Note: Make sure the damper is open while your fireplace is in use, and closed when it isn’t. Keeping it open while a fire is burning allows the smoke to escape out of the house and up the chimney. Keeping it closed while not in use will prevent rain and snow from coming in.

Step 4

With your fireplace shovel, scoop the ashes from the fireplace the following morning and place them in a metal ash container to be stored outdoors, away from any combustible material.

The Best Fireplace Services in Indianapolis

Putting out a fire is a longer and more complicated process than people without a wood-burning fireplace probably realize. You can’t just push a button to turn it off as you would a gas or electric fireplace. 

If you’re concerned about flying sparks, you’re not over-worrying. Unattended, they can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to be present while a fire is burning, and to fully extinguish it before you go to bed.

Before you start your first winter fire, make sure you have your fireplace and chimney inspected. This is an important fire safety precaution and could prevent a chimney fire. For outstanding chimney service, call Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis at 317-500-1250. Our CSIA-certified experts are happy to serve you. Just give us a call or make an appointment on our website.