With the cost of home heating fuel expected to reach record highs this winter, more people will be turning to alternatives to save money. Fireplaces and woodstoves are predicted to make a big resurgence. With the increase in woodstove use comes a corresponding increase in risk of home fires. Here are a few tips for safer woodstove use.

• If you recently bought a new stove or a used stove, it is a good idea to have the local fire department inspect its installation. This is especially true if the stove was not installed by an experienced professional.
• Make sure your chimney is clean and in good condition before using the stove.
• Make frequent checks of your stovepipe and chimney for creosote buildup; clean when the buildup is one-quarter inch.
• Never use a flammable liquid to start a fire and make sure no flammable liquids are in the same room when you are using your stove.
• Use only properly cured, seasoned firewood.
• Use a metal container with a tight-fitting lid for ash disposal; dispose of ashes after they have cooled. Wear heavy-duty protective gloves when handling ashes and coals.
• Purchase a fire-retardant hearth rug.