[header] How to use a fireplace safely [title] Burn safe materials. [step] Only burn natural materials in your fireplace; never introduce foreign substances, including cardboard, newspaper, or paper trash. These substances burn poorly, produce a lot of smoke, and release chemicals into the air.
Only burn tinder (such as pine needles or tiny sticks), kindling (small sticks or pinecones), and fuel (large logs, up to about 14 " long). [substeps] Burning hardwood (such as maple and oak) will diminish the amount of soot and ash buildup in your chimney.