Prepare your California fireplace before the first fire.

Identify what you own

A masonry fireplace, factory-built fireplace, insert and gas appliance are not interchangeable systems. Keep the manufacturer and model information available, and retain any installation or previous inspection report.

Note how long it has been unused and whether there were renovations, appliance changes, water marks or unfamiliar odors. These details make the inspection conversation more precise.

Keep the room and controls ready

USFA recommends keeping combustible items at least three feet from heat sources including fireplaces. Review the appliance instructions for its clearances and operating controls.

For a wood-burning fireplace, the damper must be open before lighting. Do not force a sticking mechanism or light a fire first and try to correct a problem afterward.

• Move combustible decorations and furnishings away from the opening.
• Review the appliance manual and approved fuel.
• Have the last known service date and any existing report available.

Check the rule for your address on the day

California has different local air districts. Use Santa Barbara County APCD, Ventura County APCD or South Coast AQMD guidance as appropriate to the address. An agricultural burn-day report is not a fireplace permission notice.

Current smoke, fire-weather and residential No-Burn advisories must be checked directly. A clean chimney does not override an applicable restriction or turn a guide into today's authorization.

Stop when operation changes

New smoke indoors, unusual gas-appliance behavior, a carbon-monoxide alarm or suspected gas leakage deserves an immediate response appropriate to the danger. Stop using a system that raises a safety concern.

For a CO alarm, suspected CO exposure or immediate fire danger, get outside and call 911. After safety has been addressed, arrange assessment before reuse rather than testing repeated fires.