Is it safe to leave fireplace burning at night?

It is not generally considered safe to leave a fireplace burning at night. There are several reasons for this:

1. Fire risk: An open fireplace can create sparks and embers that can easily ignite nearby materials, such as furniture, curtains, or carpeting. This can lead to a house fire, especially if the fire is not attended or if the occupants of the house are asleep.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning: When wood or other fuels are burned in a fireplace, they produce carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic gas that can be lethal. If the fireplace is not properly vented or if the room is not adequately ventilated, CO can accumulate and reach dangerous levels, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Oxygen depletion: Burning fuel in a fireplace consumes oxygen from the air. If the room is not properly ventilated, the oxygen levels can drop to dangerous levels, leading to hypoxia, a condition in which the body does not receive enough oxygen. This can cause serious health problems, including dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

4. Overheating: A fireplace can generate a lot of heat, which can cause the room to become overheated. This can be uncomfortable and can also pose a fire risk, as the heat can dry out materials and make them more flammable.

For these reasons, it is important to never leave a fireplace burning unattended or at night. If you must leave the room or go to sleep, be sure to extinguish the fire completely before doing so.