California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Amador-El Dorado Unit’s, Teri Mizuhara, Fire Prevention Specialist reminds us to properly Can Your Ashes.

“If you properly dispose of the ashes from your fireplace or wood burning stove and place them in a metal can you won’t risk burning your property or that of your neighbors. “Can Your Ashes” means when you clean your fireplace or wood burning stove make sure you place the hot ashes into a metal can or container so you can safely transport them outside ” says Unit Chief Kelly Keenan of the Amador-El Dorado Unit of Cal Fire.

Here are the proper ash disposal tips: When cleaning your fireplace or woodstove, always place your ashes in a metal container, NEVER use a paper or plastic bag or cardboard box. Put the metal container outside and immediately pour water into the can to cool any hot embers. Coals or pieces of wood can smolder for days. Stir the water into the ashes with a stick, making sure everything is cold. Cover the container with a lid and store the metal container away from flammable materials.

If you vacuum your ashes it is critical that you make sure you use an appropriate “ash vacuum” which is specially designed to hold hot and cold embers. Never, ever use your regular home vacuum. Never place hot ashes in your garbage can as they will catch your garbage can on fire.

“Let’s make sure our holiday season is filled with wonderful memories, not a visit by the fire department. Remember fire prevention is your responsibility” says Chief Keenan. For more fire and life safety information please visit our website at www.fire.ca.gov.

Story from press release, edited by Tom Slivick, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.