Fireside tool set
A poker, shovel and brush help you adjust logs and clear ash without putting your hands near the fire. Choose metal tools with long handles and a stable stand that will not tip over.
Tools
Tools
To use a hearth with peace of mind, you need a small set of things. Some help tend the fire and clear the ash, some protect your hands, and some are there in case something goes wrong. We do not name brands or compile rankings: we explain what each item is for and how to choose it.
A fire extinguisher remembered only when there is a fire is usually sitting in a cupboard behind the vacuum cleaner. Choose its place the same day you bring it home.
How this section works: we list items by task (lighting, cleaning, storage and safety) without brands, models or rankings. For each one we explain what it is for and what to look out for.
The hearth owner's kit
Six things worth keeping close to a fireplace or stove.
Lidded metal ash bucket
Ash holds heat for a long time, so it is carried out in a metal container with a tight lid and placed on a non-combustible surface well away from the house and rubbish. Plastic buckets and cardboard boxes are not suitable.
Log holder
A small log rack keeps firewood tidy and stops debris spreading around the room. Place it away from the firebox, where sparks cannot reach.
Carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide has no colour or smell, and people cannot notice it. A household carbon monoxide alarm helps detect it in time if the chimney is faulty or the draught is poor. Choose one with a loud alarm and a test button and position it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Fire extinguisher
Keep a fire extinguisher where it is easy to grab, but not right next to the hearth. Choose a type suitable for the home, read the instructions in advance and keep track of the service date shown on it.
Gloves
Thick heat-resistant gloves protect your hands when you add wood, adjust logs or open the door. Ordinary fabric gloves burn through quickly and are not suitable.
See also
- Care
Chimney sweeping, ash, door glass and seals, alarm checks and a pre-season inspection of the fireplace or stove.
- How-to
How to light a fire and how to store firewood, plus the stove, gas and chimney work you should never do yourself.
- Questions
Answers about this reference, about lighting fires and firewood, and about fireplace and stove safety at home.
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.