Local CFA have recently seen an increase in fires caused by hot fireplace ash.
Units are advising people to remember to always use a metal bucket next to the fireplace and soak ashes with water immediately to cool them down.
Ashes can remain hot for five days after removal.
Hot ashes can easily reignite, even after days, if they come into contact with flammable materials like dry leaves or wind.
Ash disposal is an important part of a safe fireplace checklist, residents should clean chimneys and flues every year and always place a screen in front of an open fire.
Keep clothing at least one metre away from fireplaces and never let a fire burn after you’ve gone to bed or left the house.
Never leave children unattended around fireplaces and make sure you have working smoke alarms and change the batteries every year.
