Who doesn’t love a warm fire during a chilly winter night? While fireplaces and wood stoves can add warmth to your home, they should be used responsibly. Here are some tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to keep your home fire safe.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from your fireplace or wood stove.
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace or wood stove.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Place the container outside at least 10 feet from your home.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out.
• Make sure fireplace “on” switches and remote controls are out of the reach of children.
• Make sure your wood stove has been tested by a qualified testing laboratory.