Winter Warmth 101: What NOT to Burn in Your North Dakota Fireplace This Season

As the Mon-Dak region settles into the frosty embrace of winter, many of us are cranking up the heat or stoking the fire to keep warm. Fireplaces—whether wood-burning or gas—are a timeless source of comfort and coziness. But before you start feeding the flames, let’s talk about what not to toss in there.

After all, with Thanksgiving just behind us and Christmas approaching, your house is likely a haven for extra trash. Pizza boxes, wrapping paper, Amazon packages… you might be tempted to “recycle” these items in your fireplace. Resist the urge! Burning these seemingly harmless objects can be dangerous, emitting toxic fumes or even causing chimney fires. Here are a few no-no’s to keep in mind:

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1. Christmas Trees

When your festive evergreen has reached the end of its decorative life, please don’t throw it in the fireplace. The high resin content in pine and other evergreens can cause dangerous popping embers or even a chimney fire. Plus, nobody wants a smoky mess when you're aiming for holiday cheer.

2. Pizza Boxes

Ah, the allure of tossing that greasy pizza box into the fire after dinner! Not so fast. The ink used for printing on boxes can release harmful chemicals, and the grease can create flare-ups. Take the extra step and haul it to the trash—or better yet, recycle it if possible.

3. Other Cardboard Boxes

Those Amazon packages piling up? They’re not fire-friendly either. Like pizza boxes, cardboard is often treated with dyes and chemicals that release toxic fumes when burned. Also, cardboard burns quickly, increasing the risk of fire spreading out of control.

4. Magazines and Glossy Paper

The shiny pages of magazines may seem like kindling, but they’re coated with materials like metals and dyes that become toxic when burned. Keep these pages out of your fire and, if possible, recycle them instead.

5. Wrapping Paper

Festive, colorful, and glossy, wrapping paper seems like a fun addition to the flames. Don’t be fooled! Like magazines, wrapping paper contains inks and coatings that can release harmful carcinogens.

6. Fruit Peels

This might surprise you, but tossing orange or lemon peels into the fire is a no-go—at least when they’re fresh. The moisture in fruit peels can lead to creosote buildup and excessive smoke. Dry them out in the oven first for a pleasant citrusy aroma.

7. Dryer Lint

Dryer lint as a fire starter? While it’s creative, it’s also risky. Modern clothes are made with synthetic fibers that can emit toxic fumes when burned.

Stay Safe and Warm

A crackling fire is a perfect way to enjoy winter evenings, but keeping safety in mind is crucial. Stick to burning seasoned wood or fireplace-safe logs, and let your trash find its way to the proper disposal bin. Your lungs—and your chimney—will thank you!