Community Risk Reduction Week 2024: Can Your Fireplace Ashes

For the final day of Community Risk Reduction Week we are focusing on preventing fires caused by improperly discarded fireplace/wood stove/fire pit ashes. It has been COLD and snowy this week. No doubt many residents have used their fireplace or wood stove to help keep warm! If you are, please make sure you do so safely! Every fall and winter, FCFRD experience several home fires that were caused by improperly discarded fireplace/wood stove/fire pit ashes. Fortunately, these fires are totally preventable.

Please make sure you have your fireplace inspected and cleaned before using.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind all residents to be cautious and keep safety in mind when handling fireplace/wood stove/fire pit ashes. Following a few simple safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

  • Do not discard your ashes into any combustible container such as a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
  • Do not place ash containers on decks, porches, or in garages.
  • Put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
  • Pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
  • Keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from your fireplace or stove and anything combustible.
  • Keep the can a safe distance from the home and ideally on a non-combustible surface.
  • Teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace, fire pit or wood stove.
  • Ashes can stay hot for several days. Follow the above steps even when you wait several days to remove the ashes from the fireplace.