Gatherings with family and friends are an integral component of the holiday season, and one spot that tends to be a popular gathering place within a home is a fireplace. Lighting a fire in the hearth can make any space more cozy, but doing so comes with hazards. People should consider the following safety tips in advance of the holiday entertaining season.

Prior to lighting the first fire of the season, homeowners should ensure that a professional inspects the fireplace, chimney and venting to ensure everything is in good condition. The chimney also should be swept to remove excess debris and buildup that could pose a fire hazard.

The American Red Cross noted that wrapping paper, rugs, clothing, magazines, and the like should be kept at least 3 feet away from the flames. Also, people should make sure decorations are hung securely at a safe distance from the fire.

Homeowners are advised to ensure that working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the house. A fire extinguisher should be kept close to the fireplace.

Wrapping paper must never be burned, as it contains additives, like dyes, that make it burn extremely hot. Wrapping paper must be discarded in another manner.

Although a Christmas tree next to a fireplace may seem like the perfect Christmas photo backdrop, Christmas trees should not be placed near a fireplace. Also, Christmas trees are not safe to burn in a fireplace after the season, as the wood has not been properly dried or seasoned.

Fireplaces should be properly covered by a screen to stop embers from escaping when the wood pops and sparks. The screen also can help keep decorations and other objects from falling into the fire.

Homeowners are advised to keep their fireplace clean by promptly removing any ash and debris from the fireplace after it has cooled. These steps may improve indoor air quality and provide greater control over the next fire when it is burned, advised the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Fireplaces bring warmth and add ambiance to a home, particularly during the holidays. But safety must prevail when lighting fireplaces.