Remembering Proper Disposal
"If I can't hold them in my heavy leather gloved hand, don't put them in a plastic trash can." This is a rhyme you should repeat when you clean ashes out your fireplace or wood burning stove.
The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department has responded to calls because fireplace ashes have damaged the outside of homes and destroyed the Cities trash containers. The City will charge you to replace the container.
Take Proper Precautions
- Wear heavy leather gloves when cleaning embers and ashes out of your fireplace or wood burning stove to protect your hands from any hot embers.
- Dispose of embers and ashes from such appliances by putting them in a metal container and put the metal container in a location away from combustible materials to let them cool. It is not a bad idea to use a little water.
- Stir ashes around inside the container occasionally and before putting the ashes in a plastic City of Kearney trash container.
Further Recommendations
The fire department does not recommend you hold embers or ashes in your hand. Stir up the ashes in the metal container; hold your hand over the ashes without touching them and if you can feel heat they are probably too hot to put in the city container.
For more Information
If you have any questions, please contact the fire department at (308) 233-3226.