MORRISTOWN, NJ – October 28, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
RestoPros of North & Central New Jersey, a family-owned restoration company, has released fireplace safety guidance for homeowners in the region this month as cooler weather arrives and households prepare to light their first fires of the season. The guidance outlines basic prevention steps and explains the damage a fire can leave behind, from smoke and soot to the water used to put it out.
The timing coincides with the start of the heating season, when fireplace use picks up. According to the company, a key step comes before the first fire, with a chimney inspection and cleaning by a qualified professional. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year. An inspection can identify buildup of creosote, a flammable residue left by burning wood, along with cracks, blockages, and debris such as leaves or nests.
The company also points to everyday habits that lower risk once the fireplace is in regular use. These include burning only dry, seasoned wood, using a sturdy screen in front of the opening, and keeping furniture, blankets, and decorations well away from the hearth. Fires should be fully extinguished before anyone leaves the room or goes to bed, and ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid and stored outdoors at least 10 feet from the home. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested before the season begins.
“A lot of what goes wrong with a fireplace can be headed off with some simple upkeep before the first fire of the year,” said Vincent Cammisa, General Manager at RestoPros of North & Central New Jersey. “We’d rather people hear that from us now than after something has already happened.”
The guidance also addresses the aftermath of a fire, much of which may not be visible at first. Smoke can travel well beyond the room where a fire started, moving through hallways and ductwork and settling into insulation, carpet, upholstery, and other porous materials where odors can linger. Soot residue can be acidic and may discolor painted surfaces and corrode metal fixtures and appliances when it is left in place.
The water used to extinguish a fire presents a separate concern. Whether it comes from a garden hose or a fire department response, it can soak into drywall, flooring, and subfloors, and moisture trapped behind walls or beneath floors can lead to mold growth if it is not dried properly. The company notes that this kind of water damage restoration is often overlooked because attention goes to the fire itself.
Because much of this damage is easy to miss, the company encourages a prompt professional assessment after any fire, including chimney fires and those contained quickly. An assessment helps identify how far smoke residue and moisture have spread, determine which materials can be cleaned and which need to be removed, and document conditions for an insurance claim. RestoPros holds IICRC certifications in water, fire, and mold restoration, and its fire and smoke damage restoration work focuses on cleanup and mitigation.
“Even a small fire can leave smoke, soot, and moisture in places most people wouldn’t think to check,” Cammisa said. “Having it looked at early gives families a clearer picture of what they’re dealing with.”
With the heating season underway, the guidance gives homeowners a practical reference for preventing fireplace-related fires and understanding what follows if one occurs. RestoPros of North & Central New Jersey is a locally owned, family-run company that provides water damage, mold remediation, and fire and smoke restoration services for homes and businesses, with 24-hour emergency response.
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For more information about RestoPros of North & Central New Jersey, contact the company here:
RestoPros of North & Central New Jersey
Owen Lee
(973) 587-2788
ncnj@restopros.co
35 Abbett Ave Suite 10, Morristown NJ 07960
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