Top Fireplace Safety Tips for the Holidays: What Homeowners Should Know

The holiday season is one of the most popular, and meaningful times of year to gather around a warm, glowing fire. Whether you own a Heat & Glo gas fireplace, a luxury DaVinci custom fireplace, an outdoor Fire Garden fire feature, or a handcrafted Fireplace Xtrordinair unit, following a few simple safety practices can keep your home cozy, welcoming, and worry-free.

At Western Fireplace Supply, we want to help Colorado homeowners enjoy the festive season confidently. Here are the most important fireplace safety tips to keep in mind this December.

1. Give Your Fireplace a Pre-Holiday Checkup

Before the celebrations begin, take time to inspect your fireplace, especially if you haven’t used it since last winter.

What to Look For:

• Gas Fireplaces (Heat & Glo, Fireplace Xtrordinair):
  Check for unusual odors, delayed ignition, or buildup on glass fronts. If anything seems off, stop using the unit until a professional can inspect it.
• Custom Linear Fireplaces (DaVinci):
  Ensure the glass is clean, cooling features are working properly, and any structural framing is intact.
• Outdoor Features (Fire Garden):
  Clear away debris, check weather-related wear, and confirm burners or ignition systems function smoothly.

Annual maintenance by a certified technician is always recommended. A fireplace service by Western Fireplace Supply is easy to arrange through our website. Once the form is submitted, a team member will reach out promptly to schedule your service or provide the support you need. Alternatively, give us a call:

Avon: (970) 827-9623
Colorado Springs: (719) 591-0020
Ft. Collins: (970) 498-9679

2. Keep Decorations at a Safe Distance

Holiday decorating often brings new fabrics, greenery, and festive materials into the living space. These can be beautiful, and sometimes flammable.

Safety Guidelines:

• Keep garlands, stockings, and wreaths at least 3 feet from the fireplace face.
• Avoid placing wrapped gifts, paper, or holiday cards directly in front of your hearth.
• For glass-front fireplaces like Heat & Glo or DaVinci, remember that the exterior glass can get extremely hot, especially with children and pets nearby.

If you want décor above the fireplace (like garlands or stockings), consider using a mantle shield or hanging them only when the fireplace is off.

3. Never Leave a Fire Unattended

It’s easy to step out during holiday gatherings, but fire safety depends on consistency.

• Always turn off your gas fireplace when leaving home or going to bed.
• For wood-burning units, make sure embers are fully extinguished before walking away.
• Outdoor Fire Garden features should be shut down completely when not in use, especially in winter conditions.

Remember: it only takes a few minutes for a small flame to become a big risk.

4. Burn Only Approved Materials

If your home uses a wood-burning system, common in some Fireplace Xtrordinair wood fireplace models, stick to properly seasoned hardwood.

Avoid burning:

• Wrapping paper
• Cardboard
• Pine boughs
• Holiday tree branches
• Any material treated with chemicals or paint

These items can create dangerous flare-ups and excessive creosote buildup.

5. Keep the Area Around the Fireplace Clear

Give your fireplace room to breathe.

• Maintain a clutter-free zone at least 3 feet around the fire.
• Store matches and lighters safely out of reach.
• Vacuum or sweep any debris around wood-burning fireplaces to prevent accidental sparks starting a fire.
• Outdoor fire features from Fire Garden should also be kept clear of patio furniture cushions, decorations, or blankets.

6. Use Safety Screens and Barriers

Modern fireplaces, including those from Heat & Glo and Fireplace Xtrordinair, often come with protective screens, and an additional safety barrier can be a good idea during the holidays.

This is especially important when there are young children or pets around or Holiday parties with lots of foot traffic. Screens help prevent accidental burns and keep curious hands safely away from the flames.

7. Schedule a Professional Inspection if You Notice Anything Unusual

If your fireplace flickers irregularly, produces unusual smells, or struggles to ignite, stop using it and call a certified technician.

Western Fireplace Supply services all major brands, including Heat & Glo, DaVinci, Fire Garden, and Fireplace Xtrordinair.

A quick diagnostic check now can prevent serious problems later.

Enjoy a Safe, Warm, and Beautiful Holiday Season

Your fireplace is at the heart of many winter memories. Whether you’re enjoying the elegant lines of a DaVinci custom fireplace, the dependable warmth of a Heat & Glo unit, the outdoor ambiance of Fire Garden, or the artisan craftsmanship of Fireplace Xtrordinair, safety should always come first.

If you would like to tune up your fireplace or explore upgrades before the holidays, Western Fireplace Supply is here to help with expert guidance and trusted brands.