Bioethanol Fireplace Safety Precautions: Stay Safe While Staying Cosy
Thinking of adding a bioethanol fireplace for cosy vibes without the chimney drama?
Short answer: it’s safe—if you play by the rules.
From fuel mishaps to curious pets, this guide covers the must-know safety tips so you can enjoy the flame without the fame (on the evening news).
Understanding the Fundamentals of Bioethanol Safety
Bioethanol Fuel Properties
Highly Flammable Nature
Let’s not sugar-coat it—bioethanol is seriously flammable. It’s designed to burn, and it does that job very well. Treat it with the same caution you'd show petrol, and definitely don’t treat it like water.
A single stray spark or careless spill could turn cosy into chaos, so handle it with the same respect you would for any combustible liquid.
Invisible Flame Potential (especially in bright light)
You know when you’re grilling and can’t see if the gas is on because the flame’s almost invisible? Bioethanol flames can be just like that. In bright daylight or under ceiling lights, they can be nearly impossible to spot.
That makes them sneaky—so always assume the flame is on unless you’ve fully extinguished it.
Emissions: Water Vapour and Carbon Dioxide (in safe quantities)
One of the selling points of a bioethanol fireplace is that it doesn’t belch out smoke or fumes. Instead, it releases a mix of water vapour and CO₂, which are safe in ventilated spaces.
Still, you’ll want to crack a window now and then to keep the air feeling fresh.
Importance of Manufacturer’s Instructions
Tailored Safety Guidelines for Specific Models
Every fireplace has its own quirks. Some are built for small flats, others for open-plan living. That’s why the instructions aren’t just legal waffle—they’re essential.
Read them. Follow them. Stick them to the back of a cupboard door if you must, but don’t ignore them.
Pre-Ignition Safety Measures
Fueling Safely
Only use approved bioethanol fuel
You wouldn't pour cola into your car’s petrol tank—so don’t use barbecue lighter fluid or other household fuels in your fireplace. Only certified bioethanol fuel is safe.
It burns cleanly, as intended. Anything else is a major fire risk.
Ensure burner is completely cold, clean, and dry before refilling
Topping up a warm burner is like pouring oil on a barbecue mid-flame—it will flare up.
Wait until it’s fully cooled down, give it a clean, and make sure it’s dry before you refuel.
Patience pays off here.
Use a funnel to prevent spills
A funnel might seem like overkill, but it saves you from splashes on your floor or countertop. Not to mention your hands.
Spilled fuel evaporates quickly—and dangerously. Don’t risk it.
Do not overfill the burner
There’s no gold medal for “most full fireplace.” Stick to the recommended fill line.
Too much fuel = too big a flame = too many problems.
Wipe up any spills immediately and thoroughly
Spilled fuel is no joke. It doesn’t just evaporate—it lingers as flammable vapour.
Clean it up with a dry cloth, ventilate the area, and keep it cool until everything’s bone dry.
Placement and Clearances
Place on a stable, flat, horizontal surface
That trendy table you built from reclaimed scaffolding wood might look amazing—but if it’s wobbly, it’s not fireplace material.
Your unit needs a solid, flat base. Safety over style (just this once).
Maintain minimum safe distances from combustible materials
Curtains, cushions, bookshelves—keep them at arm’s length.
Most manufacturers recommend at least a metre of clearance.
Fireplaces are beautiful when they’re not starting actual fires.
Avoid areas with strong drafts
An open window or a fan might seem harmless, but strong airflow can shift the flame or push vapours in dangerous directions.
Keep your fireplace in a calm, controlled environment—like a well-behaved dinner guest.
Room Ventilation
Ensure adequate ventilation in the room
No chimney doesn’t mean no air flow. You’ll still want some ventilation to keep the space comfortable.
Crack a window, leave a door open—just don’t trap yourself in a warm but stuffy room.
Do not block existing air vents
Heating a room shouldn’t involve blocking every vent in sight.
Let your home breathe, even if it’s chilly out.
Consider minimum room sizes for specific models
Small studio flat? Make sure your fireplace is rated for it.
Manufacturers list minimum room dimensions for good reason—don’t ignore them.
Child and Pet Safety
Keep children and pets at a safe distance
Bioethanol fireplaces might look like a magic box of warm light, especially to kids or cats.
Keep them well away—use guards or barriers if needed.
Never leave fuel bottles or lighters near the fireplace
Temptation is real. A child with a lighter or fuel bottle is a recipe for disaster.
Lock them away—or at least keep them well out of sight and reach.
During Operation Safety Measures
Never Leave Fire Unattended
It’s not a scented candle. Don’t pop out for milk while it’s lit.
Stay in the room. If you leave, extinguish it first.
Do Not Add Fuel While Fire is Lit or Hot
Risk of flare-ups and serious burns
Adding fuel to a lit or still-hot burner is one of the biggest no-nos. You risk a serious flare-up, which can lead to burns or even a house fire.
Wait. Just wait.
Do Not Move the Fireplace While Lit
You wouldn’t carry your oven across the room while it’s on.
Leave the fireplace exactly where it is until it’s completely cool.
Avoid Blowing into the Fire
Don’t blow or fan the flame—it’s not a birthday candle.
You could cause a sudden burst of flame or fuel vapour to ignite unpredictably.
Keep Hands, Hair, and Flammable Clothing Away
Roll up your sleeves, tie back your hair, and avoid those dramatic scarves.
Stay fire-safe while looking fabulous.
CO Detector Placement (Recommended for added safety)
Bioethanol fireplaces are clean, but installing a CO detector nearby adds an extra layer of peace of mind—especially in smaller rooms.
It’s a small cost for serious reassurance.
Extinguishing the Flame Safely
Using the Provided Extinguishing Tool
Always fully close the burner lid to suffocate the flame
No DIY solutions needed—use the snuffer or lid provided to safely put out the fire.
Don’t wave your hands or pour water (seriously, don’t).
Allowing for Complete Cooling Before Any Interaction
Let it cool. You wouldn’t grab a hot hob—so don’t touch the burner or refuel until it’s completely cooled down.
Fuel Storage Safety
Store Bioethanol in a Cool, Dry Place
Keep your fuel away from radiators, sunny windows, or that cupboard above the oven.
Cool, dark, and dry = safe.
Keep Containers Tightly Sealed and Out of Reach of Children/Pets
Properly sealed containers prevent vapours from escaping.
And locked cupboards keep curious hands or paws out of trouble.
Do Not Store Fuel Near the Fireplace or Heat Sources
Keep fuel containers well away from any source of heat or flame.
If it’s within arm’s reach of the fireplace, it’s too close.
Emergency Procedures
What to do in case of a fuel spill
Turn off everything. Mop up the fuel with a dry cloth. Open the windows and let the air circulate.
Wait until it’s completely dry and ventilated before lighting the fireplace again.
What to do if the flame becomes uncontrollable
Stay calm. If safe, close the burner lid to cut off oxygen.
If the fire spreads, use a CO₂ or dry chemical extinguisher. Never water. And call emergency services straight away.
Recommended Fire Extinguishers for Bioethanol Fires (CO₂ or Dry Chemical)
Why water is not effective
Water spreads flammable liquid. That’s the opposite of helpful.
Use only a fire extinguisher rated for liquid fuel fires.
First Aid for Fuel Contact or Ingestion
-
Skin contact? Rinse with soap and water.
-
Eyes? Flush thoroughly and seek medical help.
-
Swallowed fuel? Don’t induce vomiting—get straight to a hospital or call emergency services.
Other articles our customers have found useful: