1. Clear the Firebox and Prevent Corrosion

\nRemove all ash: Shovel out the fine layers of wood ash left over from winter. In LA's warm summer humidity, trapped ash absorbs moisture, becomes highly acidic, and corrodes metal fireboxes.
\nUse safety containers: Place the ash in a tightly sealed metal bucket. Store it outside and far away from any combustible structures to adhere to LA County Fire Department safety tips.

Safe Disposal Steps

\nWait a full week: Keep the ash sealed in your metal bucket outside for at least 3 to 7 days to guarantee every single hidden ember is completely cold and dead.
\nDouble-bag the cold ash: Once 100% cold, pour the ash into a heavy-duty trash bag.
\nTie it securely: Seal the bag tightly to stop hazardous, toxic dust from flying into the air or into the eyes of waste management workers.
\nToss in the black bin: Place the tied bag directly into your standard black Los Angeles sanitation trash bin.
\nClean the glass: Wipe down the glass doors using a non-abrasive fireplace glass cleaner to remove baked-on soot.

2. Schedule Professional Chimney Sweeping

\nClear creosote: Arrange for a professional sweeping to clear out creosote buildup. Leaving creosote inside the flue during hot summer months creates a strong, unpleasant smoky smell that vents backward into your living room.
\nBook early: Scheduling this service in June or July avoids the massive autumn rush, making it much easier to secure local technicians.

3. Maintain LA Fire Code Defensible Space

\nPrune overhanging trees: Cut back any tree limbs within 10 feet of your chimney opening. The LA County Fire Department Defensible Space Guidelines require strict clearance around structures to prevent stray embers from causing wildfires.
\nCheck the 2+10 rule: Ensure your chimney extends at least 3 feet above the roof and 2 feet higher than any part of the building within a 10-foot radius to optimize draft and lower fire risks.

4. Inspect Exterior Barriers & Chimney Caps

\nSecure the spark arrester: Verify that your chimney cap and wire-mesh spark guard are completely intact. This is a critical barrier that prevents hot embers from escaping into dry brush and blocks local wildlife (birds, squirrels, or raccoons) from nesting inside your flue.
\nWood‑burning fireplaces only: Seal the damper completely to prevent hot, unconditioned air and pests from entering the home, improving energy efficiency and reducing cooling costs. Per Los Angeles Building Code, all gas fireplaces must be equipped with a damper clamp that keeps the damper permanently locked open to maintain required safety compliance.

5. Service Gas Fireplace Units

\nShut off the pilot light: If you have a dedicated gas fireplace, turn off the pilot light for the summer. This saves energy and stops the continuous generation of minor ambient heat during heatwaves.
\nInspect the gas components: Check the electronic ignition, thermopile, and thermocouple for signs of wear. Use an electronic snifter or soap-water test to verify there are no active gas leaks near the main valve connections.
\nNote: Ensure you stay compliant with the City of Los Angeles Residential Code, which strictly prohibits vent-free gas appliances anywhere in California.

6. Test Home Safety Alarms

\nCheck smoke and CO detectors: Test every alarm in the vicinity of the fireplace. Replace the batteries immediately if they haven't been changed in the past year. Fireplaces can backup hazardous carbon monoxide if internal structural blocks occur during the off-season.

","TEXT_IMAGE_LEFT","label",{"_44":171,"_95":20,"_49":172},"link","image",{"_134":167,"_168":169,"_49":170},"https://d13cw1lxlociqy.cloudfront.net/9663urc3xqyaj77lzc97gn2x5f0f","altText","Uploaded image","WebsiteCustomImage","Fireplace Safety","LabelSection","BigHeroSection","NjkyODIzMQ==","Simple steps to keep your fireplace safe, clean, and ready for use.","Your Fireplace Safety Checklist","BIG_HERO_SPLIT",{"_134":183,"_168":169,"_49":170},[180],{"_95":20,"_181":-5,"_49":182},"reviewCount","GoogleReviewCountSection","https://d13cw1lxlociqy.cloudfront.net/6gd730zunnm2yy7n4hx4ep2jbnzn","isPreview",false,{"_15":189,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":22,"_23":190,"_25":26,"_27":191,"_29":192,"_31":32},"siteName","chimneyguyla",{"_97":98,"_99":100},[96],{"_40":84,"_85":203,"_49":87},[193,194,195,196,197,198,199],{"_40":80,"_42":76,"_44":81,"_11":82,"_46":83,"_48":-5,"_49":50},{"_40":75,"_42":76,"_44":77,"_11":78,"_46":64,"_48":202,"_49":50},{"_40":71,"_42":68,"_44":72,"_11":73,"_46":64,"_48":201,"_49":50},{"_40":60,"_42":61,"_44":62,"_11":63,"_46":64,"_48":200,"_49":50},{"_40":56,"_42":52,"_44":57,"_11":58,"_46":59,"_48":-5,"_49":50},{"_40":51,"_42":52,"_44":53,"_11":54,"_46":55,"_48":-5,"_49":50},{"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_11":12,"_46":47,"_48":-5,"_49":50},{"_66":67,"_42":68,"_40":69,"_49":70},{"_66":67,"_42":68,"_40":69,"_49":70},{"_66":67,"_42":68,"_40":69,"_49":70},[204],{"_49":89,"_90":91,"_44":92,"_93":94,"_95":20}]

Your Fireplace Safety Checklist

Simple steps to keep your fireplace safe, clean, and ready for use.

Comprehensive Fireplace Care Checklists

Stay Safe with Expert Fireplace Maintenance

Follow our checklists or contact The Chimney Guy Inc for professional service today.