Once you have your fire going you need to be careful of sparks, we recommend using a fire screen or fire guard to ensure your fire is safe. Use of a fire screen or protection at all times with a wood fire or fires that use a fuel that tends to ‘spit’. You should always put up a fire guard or fire screen when leaving a fire unattended (or falling asleep in front of a fire!).

If there is no fire protection or fire screen in the wide range that meets your requirements, then it is quite possible that a specialist workshop can provide you with a tailor-made fire protection or fire protection. They should also be able to provide nursery fire guards designed to prevent children from getting too close to the fireplace. Also many people buy fire guards or fire screens to keep cats from climbing up the chimney!

Some stores also offer a very wide range of fire fenders, from a basic simple base fender to fancy ornate fenders and even the largest club fenders for the largest fireplace. Fireplace Fenders can be made to your measurements and can be either adjustable or fixed in size and available options include Brass Fenders, Black Fenders, Antique Brass Fenders, Chrome Fenders or Polished Steel Fenders.

We recommend that you have your chimney swept at least once a year if you use your fire occasionally, or twice if you use it regularly. It is possible to accomplish this task yourself using sweeps and rods. Between cleaning and cleaning we recommend the use of our chimney cleaner that helps reduce tar deposits. If your chimney has cracks or other damage, you can repair it with refractory cement. Other items you can use to maintain it include stove ropes, black lead polish, charcoal paint, grate paint, stove paint, and replacement coals for gas fires. If you need to downsize your fire, the Fireside Store sells a variety of sizes of fire cheeks and backs. They are easy to install and can reduce fuel consumption.

Now that your fire is alive and roaring, you can sit back and enjoy it. Why not have a little fun and try toasting bread, buns, marshmallows, etc. with a fork to toast or roast chestnuts by the fire in a chestnut roaster?