A cozy fire can make for a warm and romantic evening. However, without proper annual maintenance a fireplace or wood stove can be the source of disaster. Play it safe. Have your chimney checked every year to make sure it's properly venting hot, toxic gases and carbon monoxide to the outdoors. Reduce creosote buildup in your wood-burning chimney system by burning only well-seasoned hardwoods. A chimney fire fueled by creosote can be as explosive as several sticks of TNT. A high-quality chimney cap will prevent rain from entering the chimney, keep birds or other animals from nesting and prohibit sparks from being blown onto rooftops. A certified chimneysweep will have the expertise and equipment necessary to ensure that your fires glow with safety. And that's the On The House tip for today.