Thousands of people each year receive injuries from sitting beside an open fire in the fireplace or while tending to it. But most accidents can be avoided.

More importantly, even though most of these injuries are cuts or bruises caused by handling wood, irons and other equipment, serious injuries, such as burns, can happen to children.

To avoid injuries, check before lighting a fireplace to see if it was constructed for use as a fireplace or for decoration.

Also, avoid the use of flammable liquids to rekindle a fire. The liquid vapors can cause an explosion traveling the length of the room.

Always keep the flue open while the wood is burning. This prevents the accumulation of explosive gases and allows the wood to burn effectively.

Avoid using coal, charcoal or polystyrene packaging in a fireplace, because they can produce deadly quantities of carbon monoxide.

Avoid stacking artificial logs on top of one another because they can cause an explosion.

Before starting a fire, remove all holiday decorations from the area including any stockings hanging from the mantle or holiday wreaths.

Dispose of all holiday wrappings immediately and keep trash away from the fire. Never use the fireplace as an incinerator for burning trash or other debris.