Questions
Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions most often asked by fireplace and stove owners and by people who are only planning to have a real fire at home. The answers are short and general: if a question concerns the construction of your hearth, gas or the chimney, the final answer will come from a professional who can see it for themselves.
If in doubt, do not light it. One missed evening by the fire costs nothing compared with a mistake you will have to put right later.
About this reference
Do you sell fireplaces, stoves or firewood?
No. This reference sells nothing and takes no orders. We do not publish advertising for fireplaces, stoves, shops or installers, and we do not name brands.
Do you install or sweep fireplaces and stoves?
No, we are not an installation company or stove builders. We explain general principles; installation, chimney sweeping and repairs are done by professionals you choose yourself.
Why does this reference have this name?
The name came to us with the domain. It does not mean anything is sold here: the site works as an independent reference about fireplaces and stoves at home.
Where does your information come from?
Specific requirements are taken from the Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation and Russian rescue-service guidance on stove heating. Other countries have their own rules, so check local regulations and a qualified chimney sweep or installer. Everything else is general practical advice without figures, standards or dimensions: those are set by the design and professionals.
Lighting and firewood
Why is wet firewood a bad idea?
Wet firewood burns worse: it gives more smoke and more chimney deposits than well-dried wood. The door glass darkens faster, and the chimney needs closer attention.
Can I light a fireplace with petrol or lighter fluid?
No. Russia's Fire Safety Regulations prohibit using petrol, kerosene and other flammable liquids to light stoves, and other countries have their own rules. Use paper, dry kindling and matches.
Can I burn rubbish and packaging in the fireplace?
Best not. Plastic, painted or glued wood, glossy paper and household rubbish give off acrid smoke and foul the chimney. Burn only the fuel the hearth is designed for.
Can I leave while the logs are burning down?
No. Russia's Fire Safety Regulations prohibit leaving a burning stove unattended, and the same makes sense for a fireplace. Wait until the wood has burned out completely before going off to do other things away from the hearth.
Safety
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm if the fireplace does not smoke?
Yes. Carbon monoxide has no colour or smell, and with a faulty chimney or poor draught it can enter the room even when no smoke is visible. A household carbon monoxide alarm helps detect it in time.
How do I make a hearth safe with children and pets at home?
Use a fire screen or a closed door, keep fireside tools, matches and fuel out of reach and never leave children or pets alone by the fire. Teach children a simple rule: only go near the hearth with an adult.
Can I dry clothes by the fireplace or stove?
Best not. Clothes hung by the fire or on a hot surface can catch fire, and fabric that falls can easily be ignited by an ember. Dry clothes away from the hearth.
What should I do if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
Do not stay by the hearth: get people and pets out into fresh air straight away, opening windows and doors as you go. Call 112 or 101 (or your local emergency number). If anyone feels unwell, see a doctor. Do not use the hearth until a professional has found the cause.
See also
- How-to
How to light a fire and how to store firewood, plus the stove, gas and chimney work you should never do yourself.
- Care
Chimney sweeping, ash, door glass and seals, alarm checks and a pre-season inspection of the fireplace or stove.
- Planning
How to plan a fireplace or stove: the type of hearth, what the house needs, the design, professional installation, a draught check and alarms.
Sources
- Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation (Government Decree No. 1479 of 16 September 2020)
- Russian rescue-service guidance on safe stove heating
Specific requirements are summarised in general terms from the Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation and Russian rescue-service guidance on stove heating. Other countries have their own chimney and fire-safety rules, so check your local regulations. Dimensions, clearances, fire separations and installation methods are set by the design, the applicable regulations and the professionals who install and service your fireplace or stove.