National Fire Prevention Week

It’s National Fire Prevention Week, and this year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading authority on fire safety codes, has introduced the theme “Charge Into Fire Safety” for 2025. This campaign, running from October 5th to October 11th, emphasizes the proactive steps everyone can take to prevent fires in their homes and communities. 

In partnership with the NFPA, Horizon Chimney Services, a trusted name in chimney safety, wants Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents to be aware of the potential fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries. With cooler temperatures on the way, it is also the perfect time of year to highlight the importance of maintaining chimney and fireplace safety.

The Dangers of Lithium-ion Devices

Lithium-ion batteries are a modern convenience, powering everything from smartphones to electric bikes. However, when these batteries are damaged, overcharged, or exposed to excessive heat or flammable vapors, they can pose a serious fire risk. In fact, according to the NFPA, lithium-ion battery fires have been on the rise, with an estimated 2,000 fires reported in the US in 2024 alone. A malfunction can trigger a chemical reaction where the battery overheats rapidly, igniting its flammable internal components. It is for this reason that airlines have banned lithium-ion powered devices from checked baggage on all domestic and international flights. 

Common Devices That Contain Lithium-ion Batteries

Many of the items we use every day in our homes contain these batteries, known for their long lifespan and performance, including:

• Cell phones, tablets, and laptops
• Power tools and cordless vacuums
• Electric scooters and bicycles
• Gaming controllers and vapes
• Portable speakers and power banks

To reduce the risk of a fire, the NFPA recommends that you always use manufacturer-approved chargers, never recharge a device on a soft surface like a bed, and always recycle batteries at an approved location in your community. By following these simple guidelines, you can use these devices safely. 

The Hidden Danger Responsible for Chimney Fires

As chimney safety experts, we know that the biggest fire risk to your home is likely hiding in plain sight: creosote. This highly flammable, tarry material builds up in your chimney flue as a natural byproduct of combustion. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), most homeowners don’t even realize they’ve had a chimney fire until an annual inspection reveals damage to the liner or surrounding masonry. The reality is that chimney fires are a primary cause of house fires across the country.

Best Way to Prevent Chimney Fires

The most effective way to protect your family and your home is to have a professional chimney inspection and cleaning at least once a year. A certified chimney sweep will remove the dangerous creosote buildup, flue obstructions such as bird nests or debris, and inspect your chimney’s components for any signs of damage. This proactive step is an essential part of the NFPA’s mission to prevent fires.

Fireplace Safety Tips

Whether you are an enthusiast or a novice, there are several ways to enjoy the hearth-warming experience of a fireplace safely:

1. Install a Glass Door: Install a glass fireplace door to prevent embers from flying out and igniting nearby materials or potentially burning children and pets.
2. Burn Seasoned Wood: Responsibly source dry, seasoned hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple. It produces a cleaner, hotter burn with less smoke and, most importantly, less creosote buildup.
3. Maintain a Safety Zone: Maintain a three-foot safety zone around the fireplace. Ensure furniture, curtains, and other combustible items are a safe distance from the hearth.
4. Proper Ash Disposal: Never dump ashes into a trash can. After they have cooled, sweep or shovel ashes into a metal container with a lid and store it outside, away from any structures or flammable liquids, for a few days to ensure they are completely cold. 
5. Test Smoke Detectors: Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home and in each bedroom. Test them monthly and replace batteries every six months. Replace faulty or non-working detectors immediately. 

Chimney Inspections for Fire Prevention in Eastern MA & RI

Remember, only YOU can prevent chimney fires. At Horizon Chimney Services, fire prevention is our top priority. Our certified chimney experts provide accurate and reliable inspections, cleaning, repairs, and fireplace installations across the Metro West and Providence Triangle region, including Dover, MA, Hopkinton, MA, Lincoln, RI, and Smithfield, RI. Contact us today to protect your home.