BERWYN, PA - After two fire incidents this past week in Tredyffrin Township, the Berwyn Fire Company wants to offer some safety tips about the importance of proper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces. Thankfully these fires were minor and did not cause any damage to structures or injury anyone.

The fact is that coals and ashes from fires can remain hot enough to start a fire for many days after you think the fire is out. The exact amount of time for complete extinguishment and cooling depends on many factors such as how hot the fire was, what was burning, how much unburned fuel remains, etc.

To be extra safe, simply treat all ashes and coals as hot, even when you think they had time enough to cool. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends the following to properly dispose of ashes or coals:

1. If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool in the area where you had the fire for several days. These devices are designed to contain their heat safely.
2. When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.
3. Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles until the refuse is hauled away.
4. DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container.
5. DO NOT use a combustible container.

Please visit the NFPA at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education for additional information.