CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - As temperatures continue to drop, it is important to remember home heating safety.

It will soon be time for holiday parties, and it’s nice to be able to have a fire going either in your fireplace or wood stove.

The ashes from a fireplace or a wood stove can remain hot enough to start a fire for hours after the fire is put out. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services is reminding everyone of safety tips when it comes to disposing of the ashes.

It is very important to let the ashes cool to dispose of them and shovel them in a metal can with a tight lid. That way if the ashes are still warm, it won’t melt the plastic of regular trash cans. Also, do not place the ashes into a paper bag or cardboard box. The ashes and embers can stay hot for days and ignite com

See Full Page