3 tips to preventing a fire you don’t want

Never use accelerants

Using flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel or kerosene as a fireplace accelerant creates an extremely dangerous environment with the possibility of starting an uncontrollable fire, fume inhalation, and potential explosions. If kindling and paper isn’t doing the trick, there are many safe alternatives, such as fire starters available from supermarkets and hardware stores.

Install a fire guard

A key cause of FMG’S fireplace claims was hot matter escaping the fireplace and damaging surrounding items and furnishings. You can easily reduce the chance of items escaping by installing a fire guard in front of your fireplace, and it will keep children and animals safe too.

Carefully dispose of ashes

Ashes can stay warm enough to start a fire for up to five days so it’s important to store them in a safe way until they are cool enough to dispose of. Place ashes in a steel bucket, thoroughly douse with water, cover with a lid and put outside away from buildings for at least five days before safely disposing of them.