At the start of the new year, the weather is just right for using wood-burning fireplaces to warm the household. However, these fireplaces generate hot ashes that must be left to cool before being disposed of in the brown bin. Reminder of prevention instructions from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges fire department. 

Several times a year, firefighters from Vaudreuil-Soulanges and across Quebec are called out to scenes of fire caused by improper ash storage.

Here are a few safety rules to follow in order to cool ashes safely:

- Place hot ashes in a metal container with a raised bottom and metal lid;

- take the metal container outdoors, as hot ashes give off carbon monoxide;

- place it on a non-combustible surface, at least 1 m away from any object;

- wait at least 7 days before transferring the ashes from the metal container to another container (organic matter bin), and stir the ashes to ensure they have cooled completely.

- If you can, keep the ashes outside all winter, and dispose of them only in spring.