Fireplace Ashes - Use Caution With Disposal

Many people don’t realize wood burning fireplace ashes can hold enough heat to reignite and start a fire even a few days later. Four days is the minimum cooling period for ashes. Extra care should be used in storage and in final disposal, as improper disposal of ashes has been attributed to at least one recent house fire in Anderson Township.

Battalion Chief Rick Martin of Anderson Township Fire and Rescue reminds residents that once removed from the fireplace, ashes should be stored in a metal fire-resistant container with a tight lid. NEVER place ashes in a plastic garbage bag, box or can, a cardboard box or paper grocery bag.

The metal storage container should be placed away from anything that can burn. Do not place the container near a firewood pile, up against a garage or in the garage, or under a porch or on a wooden deck. After a week, the ashes can be safely disposed of, and can provide nutrients to certain plants.