Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose. What could be cozier than a glowing fire in the fireplace on a frosty winter evening?

The fireplace has become a popular tradition but the Bella Vista Fire Department reminds you to be safety conscious when enjoying a fire.

Always use proper fitting fireplace screens or glass doors, to prevent flying sparks from igniting nearby combustibles.

When cleaning your fireplace, ashes should be placed in metal containers and stored outside your home.

Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned if necessary at least once a year to remove soot and creosote that could ignite and burn.

Only burn materials that were designed for the fireplace. If artificial logs are used, follow instructions on the packaging.