On 11/29/2018 6:44 PM, cshenk wrote:



>
> Safety first- Have a good fire screen. Mine is on feet and flush to
> the wall. The 'feet' are solid metal flat to the brick infront of the
> fireplace so it can't fall over. It's fine holed enough to let heat
> through but not sparks. We also have a fire resistant matt on the
> floor before it that is 1 foot past each side of the actual fireplace
> opening and 2feet deep.
> - When shoveling out the 'ash' *never* assume all is 'dead'. We use a
> bucket partly filed with water incase we catch a 'live cherry coal' in
> there and didn't realize it. (obviously if a week later with no fire,
> not an issue).
>
> Anyways, that's all I am thinking of right now.
>

Adding to the safety, everyone, burning a fire or not, should have a
fire extinguisher handy too.

I used a small metal can with lid for ashes. Amazing how long they can
smolder so I'd only dump the can after it sat for a week. They are good
for the garden though.