Bioethanol Fire Safety Guide

Bioethanol fires give you a real flame without a chimney, which makes them popular in apartments, new builds and rooms where a traditional fire is not practical. The fuel is highly flammable, though, so safe use matters. This guide draws on advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), UK fire and rescue services and the manufacturer Planika, with links to each source. Always follow the instructions supplied with your appliance.

Choose an appliance designed for indoor use

RoSPA advises only using a bioethanol fire indoors if it is designed for indoor use. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also warns owners to beware of cheap, sub-standard products and to follow the manufacturer’s safety advice. Browse our range of bioethanol fires.

Ventilation and carbon monoxide

RoSPA advises using a bioethanol fire in a well-ventilated room and never in a small or poorly ventilated space. It also notes that bioethanol fires produce carbon monoxide while burning, so you should install a carbon monoxide alarm, test it regularly and know the signs of poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea and breathlessness.

Manufacturers set their own requirements. For example, the technical card (PDF) for the Planika FLA4 590mm states that no flue is required, specifies an air change rate of one space volume per hour and gives a minimum room volume for that model. Planika’s FAQ explains that larger fireplaces need a larger air volume. Check the figures for your exact model before you buy.

Refuel only when cold

RoSPA warns that fuel can ignite if it is added to a burner that is still hot, even when no flame is visible. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service points out that the flame can be almost invisible, especially when the fuel is running low.

  • Make sure the fire is fully extinguished and allow it to cool completely. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service advises waiting at least 15 minutes for the burner to cool before topping up.
  • Use only the fuel type recommended for your appliance, and the approved small containers for refuelling.
  • Do not overfill, and wipe up any spills before lighting.
  • Light the fire with an electric or manual taper at arm’s length, never with a lighter, match or rolled-up paper.

Storing fuel safely

RoSPA advises keeping bioethanol in its original container with the lid tightly closed, in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight and naked flames, out of reach of children and pets. Check containers for damage or leaks before use. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service suggests a garage or shed, provided children and pets cannot reach the fuel.

Clearances and placement

RoSPA advises placing the fire on a flat, stable, non-combustible surface, well away from anything that could catch fire, including curtains and furniture, and keeping children and pets at a safe distance. Never move a fire while it is lit or still hot. Follow the clearance distances in your appliance’s installation manual. Planika notes that glass screens can reach up to 100°C, so keep children away from them.

Never leave it unattended

Once lit, the fire should never be left unattended. RoSPA advises fully extinguishing it before leaving the room or going to bed. If it gets out of control and cannot be put out with its built-in mechanism, get out, close doors behind you if it is safe, and call 999. Do not use water, which spreads the flames.

Automatic burners such as Planika

Automatic burners remove much of the manual handling of fuel. According to Planika, the FLA4 uses Planika’s BEV (Burning Ethanol Vapours) technology, with temperature, fuel level, seismic and spillage sensors; it switches off automatically if the fuel is too low or if it detects vibration or impact. Planika’s technical card states that the automatic pump delivers the necessary amount of fuel with no risk of overfilling or spilling, and that the flame has no direct contact with the liquid fuel. Planika’s guide to manual and automatic fireplaces explains that a microprocessor and sensors control the combustion process, including shutting down after strong shocks or tilting.

See the Planika FLA4 automatic burner, explore our wider range of fires and fireplaces, or compare with electric fires. Our showroom visit guide explains how to book an appointment to see fires in person.

Frequently asked questions

When is it safe to refuel a bioethanol fire?

Only when the fire is fully out and the burner has cooled completely. RoSPA warns never to add fuel to a fire that is lit or still warm, and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service advises waiting at least 15 minutes after the fuel has burned out before topping up. Always follow your manufacturer's instructions.

Do bioethanol fires need ventilation?

Yes. RoSPA advises using a bioethanol fire only in a well-ventilated room, never in a small or poorly ventilated space, and recommends fitting a carbon monoxide alarm. Planika specifies a minimum air change rate of one room volume per hour for its FLA4 automatic burner.

How should I store bioethanol fuel?

RoSPA advises keeping it in its original container with the lid tightly closed, in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight and naked flames, and out of reach of children and pets.

Are automatic bioethanol burners safer?

Automatic burners such as the Planika FLA4 refuel through a dedicated pump that stops when the tank is full, and use sensors that monitor temperature, fuel level, spillage and shocks, shutting the fire down if something is wrong. You should still follow all the manufacturer's safety instructions.

BMF Creative Interiors, 248 Meanwood Road, Leeds LS7 2HZ. Showroom visits by appointment only. Phone 0113 266 0096 (lines open 9am–4pm, Monday to Friday) or email info@bmfonline.co.uk.