By Sallie Ross-Filgo

The colder days and nights of autumn remind us to get ready for indoor fire safety. Be extra cautious with wood stoves and fireplaces and keep anything that will burn at least 3 feet away.

Have your chimney inspected or cleaned every year.

Don’t use large amounts of paper or cardboard to build a fire in your fireplace or wood stove.

Never burn charcoal indoors because burning charcoal gives off the poisonous gas carbon monoxide.

Finally, don’t use flammable liquids to start or add to a fire that is already lit.

Sallie Ross-Filgo works for the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department.