Understandably, safety is a top priority when searching for a fireplace of any kind, particularly in homes with pets or young children. When it comes to bioethanol fireplace safety, you’re going to want reassurance before introducing an open flame into your home – and that’s exactly what we’re here to provide!

Bioethanol fireplaces deliver the warmth and beauty of real flames without smoke or fumes, making them an attractive option for modern living spaces. 

At imaginfires, our bioethanol fireplaces have safety built into every design, so you can use your biofire without risk of fuel spillages or smoke inhalation. Here are our top 5 fireplace safety tips to give you peace of mind and help you get the very best from your bioethanol fire.

1) Position your fireplace wisely

Placement plays a big role in bioethanol fireplace safety and, as with all fireplaces, it’s mostly about common sense. Always install or position your bioethanol fire on a flat, stable surface, away from:

• Curtains or blinds (ensure that your curtains can’t reach your fireplace in a breeze)

• Soft furnishings

• High-traffic walkways where children or pets may bump into them

Wall-mounted or recessed options can be particularly practical in family homes, as they reduce the chance of accidental knocks. Our wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces are both space-saving and safe.

2) Choose a fireplace with built-in safety features

Not all bioethanol fires are created equal. At imaginfires, every model comes with our unique, patented no-spill bioethanol fuel box, designed to eliminate the risk of fuel spillage – a common concern with generic products. 

This one-of-a-kind safety feature instantly absorbs all bioethanol fuel, preventing spills, even if the fire is knocked. It’s made from high-grade stainless steel and is double lined for safety, so it can easily handle the high temperatures inside.

Additionally, for child-safe fireplaces or pet-safe bioethanol fires, consider designs with protective glass panels, sturdy construction, and accessible closing tools. Explore our range of bioethanol fireplaces to see how we combine design with safety-first engineering.

3) Store and handle fuel safely

Bioethanol fuel is clean-burning and eco-friendly, but it’s also a flammable liquid, so must be handled with care. To ensure bioethanol fireplace safety:

• Never pour biofuel onto a lit or warm fireplace, only refuel when the burner is completely cool

• Before refilling the steel fuel box with the bioethanol fuel, always ensure the fuel box has returned to room temperature (this takes approximately 30 minutes from extinguishing the fire)

• Use approved, high-quality bioethanol fuel (95% alcohol) which provides the best and longest flame (ours is the best value biofuel in the market and is developed and bottled specifically for imaginfires biofires - Trustpilot reviews here)

• Clean up any biofuel spillages before lighting the fire

Of course, it goes without saying that you should store bottles out of reach of children and pets. Check out our dedicated post for a more detailed look at bioethanol fuel longevity.

4) Extinguish correctly every time

Always extinguish your bioethanol flame before going out or to bed. This is simple to do with our imaginfires fireplace specialist fuel box:

Close the shutter on the box using the specially designed closing tool that comes with your bioethanol fireplace. This will immediately extinguish the flame, but you should leave it for a couple of minutes to cool down before refilling. 

You can also control the flame this way - if you need less heat, you can move the slider on the fuel to halfway position, reducing the size of the flame.

• Never blow on the flame or attempt to extinguish it with water. 

• Do not move the biofire until the stainless steel fuel box has cooled.

5) Ventilation matters

Bioethanol fireplaces are flueless and smokeless, the only emissions produced from burning bioethanol fuel are heat, water vapour and carbon dioxide. However, since their flames consume oxygen, proper ventilation is still important. It’s advisable to make sure the room is well-aired: a slightly open window or doors ajar is usually enough. Good airflow not only supports safe use but also enhances the ambience of your flame.

Don’t forget about maintenance

Of course, good fireplace safety isn’t just about how the fire is built — it’s also about how you use and care for it. Keeping your bioethanol fire clean and well maintained not only protects its sleek finish but also ensures it operates safely year after year (discover our maintenance tips here).

Why families choose imaginfires

At imaginfires, we understand that families want the warmth and atmosphere of a fire without the risks. That’s why every model is designed with fireplace safety tips in mind:

• Patented no-spill chamber (unique to imaginfires, unmatched by competitors)

• Sturdy, durable designs tested to the highest British and European safety standards

• Protective glass for improved safety 

• Easy extinguishing tools for effortless, stress-free operation

• Most of our woodburner style biofires also include a protective glove for safer opening and closing of those with doors, or as an extra reassurance when holding the closing tool

By following these bioethanol fireplace safety tips, you can enjoy the beauty of real flames with peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for child or pet-safe bioethanol fires or a design that complements your modern home, we marry safety and style seamlessly. Families can rest assured that every fire we sell has been engineered with trust, safety, and convenience at its core – so you can focus on enjoying the moment.

Looking for more advice? Check out our video guides or browse our FAQs for detailed answers on fuel, safety, and setup.