Every year, fire departments respond to numerous fires caused by the improper disposal of ashes and coals from firepits, fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and grills. Even when no visible smoke or heat is detected, ashes can retain hot coals for an extended period. This is because ash acts as an insulator, allowing hidden coals to stay hot enough to ignite nearby materials or even melt through plastic long after the fire has gone out. The cooling time for coals depends on factors such as fire temperature, material type, and insulation levels from surrounding ashes.

To be safe, treat all ashes as hot, even when you think they’ve cooled.

How to Safely Dispose of Ashes:

• Allow for Extended Cooling: Leave ashes to cool for several days (at least four) in the fireplace, stove, or firepit where the fire burned, as these devices are designed to safely contain heat.
• Handle with Caution: Always wear fire-resistant gloves when removing ashes, even if you believe they’re cooled.
• Use a Non-Combustible Container: Transfer ashes to a metal or earthenware container with a tight-fitting, non-flammable lid.
• Store Safely Outside: Place the container outdoors on a non-combustible surface at least ten feet from any flammable items. This reduces the risk of transferring heat from the container and igniting nearby materials. Let the ashes cool for at least a week.
• Test for Remaining Heat: Stir the ashes and use the back of your hand to feel for the heat near the ashes and around the container. Repeat until you’re confident that all ashes are completely cool. Avoid direct contact with bare skin to prevent burns.
• Accelerate Cooling if Necessary: If disposal cannot wait a full week, mix water into the container of ashes to help cool them faster. After adding water, secure the lid and allow a few days for cooling, then check for heat as above.
• Prevent Re-Ignition: Keep the lid on the container to prevent wind from fanning any remaining coals or spreading hot ashes.
• Use Appropriate Containers Only: Do not store ashes in any combustible container (such as wood, plastic, or cardboard), and avoid placing combustibles in the ash container.
• Avoid Regular Vacuums: Use only fire-safe vacuums specifically designed for ashes if cleaning your stove. Standard vacuums can ignite from hot ash.
• Dispose Properly: Once fully cooled, bag ashes and take them to the Larimer County landfill or the Red Feather transfer station.

Additional Fireplace Safety Tips:

• Routine Inspections: Have your chimney and stove inspected and cleaned annually to remove obstructions or creosote buildup. Do not use your fireplace or stove until repairs are completed if any damage is identified.
• Avoid Accelerants: Never use accelerants (like gasoline or fire gel) to start a fire in your fireplace or stove.
• Burn Only Approved Materials: Only burn firewood and kindling. Even seemingly safe items like paper or cardboard can produce dangerous firebrands and increase chimney fire risk.
• Never Leave a Fire Unattended: Ensure any fire is completely out or safely banked before leaving it unattended or going to bed. Open fires should never be left without supervision.
• Keep a Safe Perimeter: Maintain at least a three-foot radius around the fireplace or stove, free from any combustible materials.
• Protect Children and Pets: Keep children and pets a safe distance from all fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Regularly test and change batteries, ideally during Daylight Savings Time changes. Replace detectors every ten years, as they lose reliability over time.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Keep an extinguisher accessible and check its expiration date.
• Follow Safety Protocols for Grills and Firepits: Apply the same safety precautions when using outdoor grills or firepits to avoid accidental fires.

By taking these precautions, you can safely enjoy your fireplace or stove while protecting your home, family, and community from accidental fires caused by hot ashes or improper fireplace use.