This warning came from correspondent Joe Franklin:
As you enjoy the holidays, please, PLEASE keep in mind that burning that discarded wrapping paper in the fireplace is VERY Dangerous. [NOTE: Do not use your fireplace to dispose of cardboard boxes, Christmas trees, or trash.]
The ink used on the design plus the chemical composition of the paper itself, makes it one of the hottest things you can burn in any type of normal fires. Couple that with the super heated air and its lifting ability, you have a recipe for a chimney fire. A super hot fire in a confined area that is sucking in air like a jet engine type of chimney fire. Once ignited it will superheat and burn off the carbon and other deposits in the chimney – that “soot” from so many normal fires.
If you get one, close off as much of the air intake you can – close the doors or tighten down the draft regulators if it is a wood stove. Then, call the fire department – even if you think it has burned itself out. Often some part of it is still smoldering; waiting for you to open the doors or the air intakes so it can jump back to life.
Please – have a joyous holiday; but do it safely.
This is the voice of experience speaking – who, very fortunately, already knew what to do. It certainly cleaned out my chimney, BUT I most clearly do NOT recommend that approach.
For more information about chimney fires, read "The Facts About Chimney Fires."
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