The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) wants to remind residents of safety tips and precautions around this time of year when temperatures drop and fireplace use increases.
They said improper ash disposal are leading causes of home fires during the fall and winter months.
Here are some tips they want residents to remember:
Have chimneys and heating equipment inspected and cleaned by certified chimney sweeps every fall just before the colder seasons.
Allow ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. Four days or 96 hours is the minimum recommended cooling period.
Place cooled ashes in a covered metal container and keep it at least ten feet away from the home.Â
Ashes should never be disposed of in a plastic garbage can, cardboard box or paper grocery bag.Â
Never use a vacuum to pick up ashes.
The metal container should not be placed next to a firewood pile, in a garage, under a wood deck or under a porch.
After sitting for a week in the metal container, check them to make sure they are cool and only then are they safe to dispose of in your trash.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove or other heating appliances.
Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying and never leave a fire unattended.
Keep children away from open fires.
Residents can obtain a free ash can by filling out an application at the NLTFPD Administration Office at 866 Oriole Way in Incline Village. If the required criteria is met, an ash can will be provided.
Inside each can is an instructional flyer on how to properly dispose of ashes.Â
Ash cans will be provided to qualifying residents on a first come, first serve basis.
(The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District contributed to this report).Â
