JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As families come together this Christmas Eve and throughout the festive season, fire authorities are advising homeowners to be cautious when using fireplaces. They highlight that while fireplaces add warmth and ambiance, they can also pose significant fire risks if not properly maintained.

Fireplaces often serve as the heart of holiday gatherings, yet first responders note they can also be a leading cause of house fires during the colder months. This risk is heightened when chimneys have not been adequately cared for.

The St. Johns County Fire Rescue points out that creosote—a black, tar-like substance that accumulates from burning wood—can be particularly hazardous. Fire officials warn that if this substance builds up excessively inside chimneys, it can ignite rapidly.

“We don’t typically respond to many chimney fires, mainly because in Florida, fireplaces are not used frequently. This leads to them often going uninspected and not regularly cleaned, which is crucial,” explained Chris Naff, the Public Information Officer for St. Johns County Fire Rescue.

“So it is overtime and it’s just basically unburned fuels that build up inside your chimney itself from the fireplace so that builds up and if you keep starting fires in your fireplace as that stuff heats up, it could catch fire actually in your chimney and then you have a chimney fire instead of a fireplace fire,” said Naff.

Fire officials recommend homeowners have their chimneys inspected and cleaned at least once a year, especially before lighting the first fire of the season.

Naff says there are warning signs homeowners should never ignore.

“Make sure when your fire is completely out disposed of ashes put them in or some kind of nonflammable container away from your house till they go completely out,” he said.

For those using a fireplace for the first time, fire officials stress the importance of doing research and making sure it’s safe before starting a fire.

“Use it is a big thing you know whether you YouTube it or get some directions online and then just start small with the fire and make sure it gets pulled up into the chimney and then just be safe around it with all those and then if you need us, call us,” said, Naff. 

Fire officials say taking a few extra precautions can help prevent chimney fires, protect homes, and keep families safe during the holiday season.