Bangor Fire Inspector John Mickel offers the following safety tips for homeowners using wood heat:

? Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms.

? Have a portable fire extinguisher on hand.

? Make sure there are no combustible materials near the wood stove.

? Dispose of ashes and coals safely. Mickel said ashes and coals should be discarded in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. A metal trash can would do the job. The container must be kept away from structures.