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2019-09-27 Friday News A new tree planted in the park! Thank you to the Mendota Heights MOMS Club for their donation of a new tree for Hagstrom King Park! With the help of Public Works, the group planted the new tree on September 24. The City appreciates the generous donation that will provide beauty and shade for years to come! Pictured: MOMS Club members, city staff, and Councilor Liz Petschel. Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Wednesday, October 2 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Monday, October 14 Public Works Closed for Indigenous People’s Day (City Hall is Open) Wednesday, October 16 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Reminder: The next three City Council meetings will take place on Wednesdays, beginning at 7:00pm, on 10/2, 10/16, and 11/6. Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD September 27, 2019 from the City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com 651.452.1850 City Hall Lobby Hours M-TH: 7am-4:30pm F: 7am-11:30am Police Department Lobby Hours M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm FRIDAY NEWS An opportunity to learn more about MSP Airport and how the Metropolitan Airports Commission is planning for its future. The public is invited to the first Experience MSP Event on Wednesday, October 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mall of America Executive Center, hosted by the Metropolitan Airports Commission and MSP International Airport. This is an opportunity to learn more about the MSP Airport and how the MAC is planning for its future. The event will also feature MSP’s history, a “Taste of MSP” experience featuring airport restaurants, and kids’ aviation themed activities. Link to event details. Subscribe to weekly city news online Visit www.mendota-heights.com. Go to Our City/ City Publications/Subscribe to Friday News For subscription removals or other questions, please email Communications Coordinator Sharon Deziel at sharond@mendota-heights.com. SUNDAY · October 13 Seasonal Skating Instructor The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for a seasonal Skating Instructor. The Skating Instructor is responsible for instructing individuals at various levels and ages in learn-to-skate programs and performs a variety of duties including developing lesson plans, preparing materials, instructing classes and supervising participants. Hourly Rate: $15.50 to $16.25, DOQ To apply: Complete a city application and application supplement. Position open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by 4:00 pm on October 15, 2019. Seasonal Warming House/Rink Attendant The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for part-time, seasonal Warming House/Rink Attendants for Mendota Heights’ outdoor ice rinks. The City’s outdoor ice rinks are located at Friendly Hills Park, Marie Park and Wentworth Park. Warming House/Ice Rink Attendants are responsible for opening and closing warming houses and ice rinks; maintaining rinks, warming houses and grounds cleanliness; shoveling and clearing excess snow off rinks and walkways; ensuring that rules and polices are followed and for interacting with the public in a professional, courteous and helpful manner. Hours vary, up to 20 hours per week, mid-December through early March (weather permitting). Evening and weekend hours required. Hourly Rate: $10.00 to $10.75 To apply: Complete a city application and application supplement. Position open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by 4:00 pm on October 31, 2019. Visit https://www.mendota-heights.com/ employment for more information, application materials and instructions. Now Hiring – Apply Today! Public Works Maintenance Worker The City of Mendota Heights is currently accepting applications for the position of Public Works Maintenance Worker. This position performs a variety of duties involved in the maintenance and repair of City streets, parks and utilities. The position will be primarily assigned to the Parks division within the Public Works Department. Hiring Salary Range: $21.85 to $31.35 per hour, DOQ. To apply: Interested applicants must submit a letter of interest, city employment application and application supplement to Human Resources by 4:00 p.m. on October 1, 2019. Register for winter gymnastics Saturdays, December 7–February 8 At Henry Sibley High School Classes introduce young gymnasts to the sport in a safe, fun environment. A variety of skills will be taught and developed on the balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise and tumbling. This is an 8-week session. Ages: 3-12 Tumbling Tykes, Tumbling Tots, Kinder Tumbling: $90 per child Beginner, Advanced Beginner: $110 per child Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Find fun this fall! The fall episode of Town Square TV’s Community Parks Connection is online at https://vimeo.com/361337037. Discover tons of events and activities taking place locally. This episode will also play on Comcast Xfinity 18/CenturyLink Prism 8418. Create an account and view youth and adult programs at: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota- heights-mn/catalog Parks & Recreation Field trips registration open for non-school days October 17 | Bunker Park Stables Ages: 8 and up | $47 per child October 18 | Sever’s Corn Maze and Eden Prairie Community Pool Ages: 6-12 | $35 per child Reserve early! https://secure.rec1.com/ MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Recreation Fee Assistance Program A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is available to eligible Mendota Heights residents for participation in recreation programs. Qualification details, eligible program information, and an application can be found at https://www.mendota-heights.com/ parksrecreation. For more information contact Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence: meredithl@mendota- heights.com or 651.255.1354. We want to hear from you! The City uses an online civic participation tool through Polco that residents can participate in via their preferred digital device, at a time and place convenient for them. Community survey questions are posted periodically on a wide range of topics. Users can remain anonymous, and responses are viewed as totals. Responses enable the City to effectively survey performance and programs, gain insights into public attitudes and opinions, and uncover new ideas and solutions. Users can see survey results and how others in the community are responding, and have an opportunity to comment on topics if desired. Set up a free account at https://polco.us/ mendotaheights or download the app for iOS or Android. Once an account is established users can receive notifications when new questions are posted. Fix & Swap: Outdoor Gear Sunday, October 6 | noon to 3 p.m. Dakota Lodge in Thompson Park 1200 Stassen Lane Dakota County is hosting the first-ever outdoor gear Fix & Swap. Keep usable clothing and gear out of landfills (or stashed in closets) while building community! The event is free and open to all outdoor enthusiasts. Bring usable outdoor gear for someone else and take something you need. All tents, backpacks, camping gear and clean, usable outdoor clothing of all sizes and genders are accepted. Anything in the swap area is up for grabs. Bring broken or torn items to the Fix-It Clinic offered at the same time. Repair-savvy volunteers will guide residents through each step, from troubleshooting to a completed repair. Common outdoor items that can be fixed are zippers, backpacks, bikes and camping equipment. More info: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/ Environment/Residential/Reduce/Pages/fix- swap.aspx. Adopting a storm drain simply involves keeping it free of sediment, trash, leaves, and other debris by sweeping and collecting it at least twice a month. It is a simple, easy way you can help do your part to improve water quality in our community! Online sign-up at https://www.adopt-a-drain.org/. Raking Leaves for Water Quality As the leaves begin to fall, think about raking for water quality in the weeks and months ahead. Leaves are often not considered “pollution,” however when leaves and yard waste are washed into our surface waters after it rains, they release nutrients that contribute to additional algae growth. This can result in low oxygen levels, fish kills, and unsafe swimming and recreation conditions. When raking up leaves, branches, and debris from your yard, dispose of them properly. Here are some good options:  Compost yard waste in your backyard. Addling leaves to a compost pile is an inexpensive way to add nutrient rich fertilizer to your gardens.  Bring leaves to a compost site or other acceptable disposal site. Many sites take leaves and other yard waste free of charge or for a small fee. A list of sites in our area can be found here.  Till leaves directly into a garden, for added organic matter.  Short on time? Use a service such as TaskRabbit to hire out the task of raking and/or removing your leaves for you! Celebrate with low-waste parties! (Part 3) Parties are great ways to celebrate milestones with friends and family, but can sometimes produce a ton of waste at the end. With a little foresight, parties can be made a little more “green,” and hopefully save you some green. Gifts Most adults already have everything they want or need. Give a gift of an experience instead and they’ll create memories to last a lifetime. Experience gifts could include:  Museum or zoo membership or tickets  Wine tasting  Escape room adventure  Indoor trampoline experience  Paint ball experience  Go Karting  Skydiving Skip the goodie bags for the kids: most of the items inside are made very cheaply and will be lost or broken within a day. A lot of those cheap plastic goods are made in China where the toys have been found to have high levels of lead and heavy metals. Composting in the cold? Frigid temps slow down the composting process, but you can still toss your food scraps into your compost pile all winter long. By composting at home, you can convert organics—leaves, food scraps and more—into a nutrient- rich mixture that you can add to your yard or garden and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizer and water. Gather and store fall leaves in an extra container near your compost bin. Each time you throw food scraps into your compost bin, add a few handfuls of leaves. Also, move your bin closer to your door so you don’t have to trek through the snow. Check out information on how to compost, where to get a bin, and what to put in your compost at www.dakotacounty.us, search compost. How to get started on backyard composting Composting is nature’s way of recycling materials. It is the natural breakdown of organics wastes by bacteria. Fungi, worms and other organisms under controlled conditions. Besides conserving resources and diverting organic material from landfills, backyard composting can save money. By diverting household food waste from the garbage, you can reduce the size and cost of your garbage container. Materials & Ingredients Needed  Compost container  Stirring tool (shovel or pitchfork)  Water  “Brown” compostable material (see below)  “Green” compostable material (see below) Instructions for Successful Composting 1. Construct your compost container: Select a dry, shady spot near a water source to place your bin. 2. Add “green” compostable material: Fruit and veggie scraps, bread, grass clippings and weeds – these materials are high in carbon. 3. Add “brown” compostable material: Fallen leaves, straw, sawdust and wood chips, along with twigs – these materials are high in nitrogen. 4. Mix: Turn the compost regularly but no more than once per week. This prevents unpleasant odors and quickens decomposition. If strong odors occur despite regular turning, add a bulking agent (straw, sawdust or dry leaves). Add water if the pile seems too dry; the pile should appear damp but not soggy. 5. Use: The result of composting is a dark, crumbly, earthy- smelling mixture that can be used as a fertilizer, mulch or potting mix. Upcoming local shred events Saturday, September 28 Burnsville Maintenance Facility 13713 Frontier Court, Burnsville 9AM – 2PM Friday, October 4 Pioneer Secure Shred 155 Irving Ave N, Minneapolis 9:30AM – 11:30AM Helpful Hints  The ideal ratio of “green” to “brown” material is considered a 50/50 mix. However, 1:2 or 2:1 ratios will still allow your pile to decompose.  Disproportionate amounts of “green” can lead to strong odors and too much “brown” will dry out your pile and stop the composting process.  Coffee grounds are high in both carbon and nitrogen, and coffee filters can be added to your pile.  Do not add the following items to your pile: grease, oil, fat, bones dairy products, meat or pet waste. These items can be recycled at Thompson Park’s organics drop site. Emerald Ash Borer City Staff has begun notifying residents if it is suspected that ash tree(s) on their property are infected with Emerald Ash Borer. Removal on private property is not required by City Code, but is encouraged to help slow the spread, and prevent dead and dying ash trees from becoming a safety hazard. The City has also begun removals of infected ash trees within the Right-of-Way along public streets, and within City-owned land. EAB is an invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. Signs of EAB infestation:  Canopy die-back  Blond patches on branches and/or trunk  Woodpecker damage  Splitting bark  D-shaped exit holes If you have an ash tree on your property that is in the early stages of infection, or has not yet become infected, treatment may be an option. The City has continued its partnership with Rainbow Treecare to offer treatments to residents at a discounted rate. Contact Rainbow Tree Care directly if you are interested in taking advantage of this program: Rainbow Treecare's Discount Program for Mendota Heights. Regardless of your choice or ability to treat your ash tree, consider replacing your ash tree with another shade tree species. Some good options for replacement shade tree species are:  Basswood (Linden) Tilia Americana  Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa  Cathedral Elm Ulmus ‘Cathedral’  Hackberry Celtis occidentalis  Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba  Ironwood Ostrya virginiana  Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioicus  White Oak Quercus alba For More information, please visit: Mendota Heights EAB webpage. Stormwater Pond Questions Answered! What is a stormwater pond? Stormwater detention ponds are designed and constructed to reduce flooding and treat stormwater runoff before it enters our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. They are manmade features that trap sediments and other pollutants carried by rainwater runoff from paved surfaces such as roads and parking lots, as well as lawns and roofs. Some of these pollutants include oil, bacteria, fertilizer, heavy metals, and organic contaminants such as animal waste, grass clippings, and leaves. How does a stormwater pond differ from a wetland? Wetlands are naturally-occurring wet areas. Sometimes wetlands hold water year-round, and others are only wet seasonally or for a short period of time. Like stormwater ponds, they also aid in providing storage for flood waters, but they are not manmade and have not been excavated or designed for stormwater treatment. Wetlands are protected under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act, which prohibits filling, draining, or otherwise disturbing a wetland without a permit. Before the Wetland Conservation Act came into effect, wetlands were often excavated to be used as stormwater ponds, and still are used as such. Can the weeds along the shore of the stormwater pond be removed? Many of what some people consider weeds are actually native or beneficial plants. Native plant buffers help to filter out and use nutrients and pollutants before they enter stormwater ponds and other surface waters. Do some research and find out what vegetation is growing around the pond before removing it. Why is my neighborhood stormwater pond green and stinky? One of the functions of stormwater ponds is to collect and prevent extra nutrients from entering our surface waters. These extra nutrients found in grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste can lead to excess algae growth. This algae can form a green mat on the water’s surface. Algae growth usually increases with temperature and storm events, and can reach its height in late summer and early fall. Sometimes the green color comes from a plant called ‘duckweed’, which are tiny, green plants that float on the surface of the pond. They are native to the U.S. and are an important food source for waterfowl and fish. The odor coming from your stormwater pond is a result of the excess nutrients, pollutants and algae, and can be quite strong. However, if you notice an unusually strong or non-organic odor, it is best to contact City Staff. How can I reduce the amount of algae and pollutants in my stormwater pond?  Collect leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste and dispose of them properly, or mulch what you can into your lawn and garden. Don’t allow grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste to runoff into the street, storm drain, and into your pond or other surface water.  Pick up after your pets regularly on your own property, and always pick up after them while out on walks.  Install a raingarden, or redirect your downspouts off of paved surfaces and onto gardens and landscaped areas instead.  Create a native plant buffer around your stormwater pond. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department SEPTEMBER 27, 2019 CHIEF Kelly McCarthy CAPTAIN Wayne Wegener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Chad Willson Philip McCarty Weston Raberge Peter Renteria Cara Hogan Tony Patton Ryan Yauch Tommy Albindia Eric Hagelee Leif Vandersteen Alex Randall INVESTIGATIONS Nick Gorgos SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Steve Hilyar COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Josh Rosenberry SUPPORT STAFF Kim Richter Trista Miller Shayna Hoechst Becky Pentel RESERVES Jim Knox Jeff Parker CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Mike VerWay NEVER VEER FOR DEER! Swerving can take a motorist into oncoming traffic or off the road. MOTORIST SAFETY TIPS  Drive at safe speeds and always be buckled up.  Be especially cautious from 6 to 9pm, when deer are most active.  Use high beams as much as possible at night, especially in deer-active areas.  Don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing roads.  Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and deer silhouettes on the shoulder.  Slow down in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land.  Deer do unpredictable things. If the deer is on the road, don’t try to go around it.  Motorcyclists: Avoid night and low light riding periods. Use both brakes and keep your eyes and head up for best chances of keeping the bike up. Wear high visibility gear and full head protection to prevent injury or death.  If a deer is struck but not killed by a vehicle, keep your distance as they may recover and move on. If the deer does not move or poses a public safety risk, report the incident to DNR or other local law enforcement agency.  Any MN resident may claim a road-kill animal by contacting law enforcement; they may issue an authorization permit allowing lawful possession of the deer. Fall has arrived, peak season for deer vs vehicle crashes. Minnesota has a large deer population making them a safety hazard on the roadways. According to MN Department of Public Safety, who provided the data below, motorcyclists account for about 90% of all vehicle related deaths and injuries. YEAR CRASHES FATALITIES SERIOUS INJURIES ALL FATALITIES/INJURIES 2012 2,488 8 38 485 2013 2,096 8 21 398 2014 1,912 1 17 380 2015 2,141 8 30 461 2016 1,325 3 31 302 2017 1,322 4 22 236 2018 1,226 6 26 214 2 DWI — 35E/WAGON WHEEL TR 09/20/19, 0226 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop for a speed violation on southbound I-35E at Highway 13. While speaking with the driver, the officer could smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. Driver performed a field sobriety test and was ultimately arrested for 4th Degree DWI. Driver was booked and released from the Dakota County Jail and the vehicle was impounded. DUMPING/LITTERING — SPRING ST/BUTLER AVE 09/20/19, 0817 HOURS Officers dispatched to a dumping/littering complaint near the intersection of Spring St and Butler Ave. Public Works was advised. DOMESTIC ASSAULT/STOLEN VEHICLE — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 09/21/19, 1243 HOURS Officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Northland Drive on a report of a domestic assault. Through their investigation it was determined that the suspect stole the victim’s vehicle. The suspect was gone on arrival. The vehicle was entered as stolen and a KOPS alert was issued for the vehicle and suspect. A warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest for Felony Domestic Assault and Felony Auto Theft. DWI — HWY 62, LEXINGTON AVE 09/22/19, 0116 HOURS Officers saw a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed at 35E and Hwy 13. Officers activated radar and the vehicle read 75 in a 55. Officers stopped the vehicle and detected signs of impairment. Officers arrested the driver and transported him to jail. WARRANT ARREST — 1XXX WALSH LN 09/22/19, 2011 HOURS Officers conducted a random license plate check on a vehicle traveling west on Marie Ave from Victoria Rd. The vehicle returned with 2018 tabs. Officers conducted a traffic stop and the driver had a warrant for their arrest. Officers arrested the driver. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 09/23/19, 0900 HOURS Officers were called to the 900 block of Sibley Memorial Highway for a garage that had been broken into sometime over the weekend. It was discovered by staff members that nothing from the garage had been stolen. Photos were collected of the cut locks. The case is inactive. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1XXX HWY 13 09/23/19, 1250 HOURS Dispatched to the 1000 block of Hwy 13 on a report of vandalism. A vehicle parked on the street had the passenger side window broken while the owner was walking on the trail. Owner stated nothing was taken. No suspects or witnesses. DAR — 2XX 10TH AVE S 09/23/19, 1502 HOURS While conducting a seatbelt enforcement, officer attempted to catch up to a vehicle for a seatbelt violation. When the officer caught up with the vehicle, the driver had already parked and took off on foot. Officer located the male walking thru yards and an alley way. The male admitted to being the driver; he was arrested for Driving After Revocation, the vehicle was impounded and he was booked into jail. 3 MAIL THEFT—7XX WENTWORTH AVE 09/23/19, 1516 HOURS Dispatched to the 700 block of Wentworth Ave on a suspicious vehicle. Witnesses described a black car with damage to both bumpers whose driver was reportedly stealing mail. Suspect left the area. Victims were identified on Evergreen Knoll as well. Suspect was later located and apprehended by MSP. Case still under investigation and charges forthcoming. THEFT—1XXX NORTHLAND DR 09/24/19, 1034 HOURS Employee on the 1000 block of Northland Drive reported his wallet was stolen from his desk sometime overnight. He stated there were now fraudulent charges on his credit card. Case under investigation. THEFT—1XXX DELAWARE AVE 09/25/19, 0826 HOURS Responded to the 1000 block of Delaware Avenue on a report of a theft. The item was entered into NCIC as a stolen item. There were no suspects or evidence developed in the investigation; case inactive. DRUGS—1XXX DELAWARE AVE 09/25/19, 1214 HOURS Officer responded to the 1000 block of Delaware Ave to assist with an out of control juvenile. Subsequent investigation led to the discovery of suspected controlled substances. Juvenile was detained and released to the mother. Case pending test results of suspected narcotics. TAMPERING WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE—7XX HWY 62 09/25/19, 2051 HOURS Officer took a theft report from the 700 block of Highway 62. Caller had her vehicle window smashed and some belongings were missing from the vehicle. No suspect information known. Case inactive. THEFT—2XXX DODD RD 09/26/19, 1211 HOURS Officers were flagged down by a pedestrian in the 2000 block of Dodd Road regarding a theft that had occurred from a motor vehicle. A cell phone and other items were taken from inside the vehicle. Case under investigation. POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA—9XX MENDAKOTA CT 09/26/19, 1232 HOURS Officer responded to a vehicle matching the description of a suspicious vehicle from a call earlier. The vehicle was stopped and officer could smell the odor of marijuana. The vehicle was searched and marijuana was located. Driver was issued a citation for the offense. ANIMAL BITE—1XXX LILAC LN 09/26/19, 1624 HOURS Reporting party was walking her dog on Lilac Lane. The dog was walking on the grass boulevard with the owner in the street. Two dogs from another address ran towards the RP. The RP moved to the center of the street and the larger of the two dogs ran through the invisible fence biting the RP ’s dog, leaving a puncture wound. West St. Paul POLICE South MetroFIRE CHARITY HOCKEY GAME AFTER GAME PARTY AT DUNHAMS! TACO BAR - FREE WITH GAME ENTRY SILENT AUCTION LIVE MUSIC - FROM HOT BROCKOLI WEST ST. PAUL ICE ARENA ALL PROCEEDS GO TO 360 COMMUNITIES PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS® TO SUPPORT FAMILY SUPPORT WORKERS IN SCHOOLS. •WATCH WSP HEROES ON THE ICE •CHUCK-A-PUCK •CONCESSIONS WILL BEAVAILABLE 60 EMERSON AVE W 173 LOTHENBACH AVE , WEST ST. PAUL OCTOBER 12TH 4PM $5 ENTRY KIDS UNDER 6: FREE ® Help in the moment. Hope for the future. JOINED BY OFFICERS FROM: SOUTH ST. PAUL INVER GROVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS 4 09/20—9/26 2019 YTD Calls for Service 274 9,024 Police Reports 24 871 Citations 76 1,340 Warnings 95 1,928 Response Time Average 7.81 6.56 Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: https://www.raidsonline.com 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. The Vacation/House Check Request online form is available on our website; you can also complete a form found in our lobby, or simply give us a call! MHPD offers a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota County residents can safely & anonymously dispose of their prescription drug medication. This program is mainly meant to keep narcotics off the streets and dispose of medications in environmentally sound ways. ** No needles/sharps. Visit the Green Guide for tips. ** Please visit the Dakota County Recycling Zone for helpful resources for all safe disposal solutions. Car Seat Checks—TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE Please visit the MN DPS for more information. Questions/Comments? Email us at: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366. Need Public Safety Response? Call 911 WOOD FIREPLACE SAFETY TIPS 1) Only Burn Dry, Cured Wood 2) Burn Firewood and Only Firewood 3) Close the Damper When Not Using Your Wood Fireplace 4) Keep Bi-fold Glass Doors Open When Burning a Fire 5) Have a Chimney Cap Installed 6) Replace a Poorly Sealing Damper to Prevent Heat Loss 7) Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Detectors 8) Get Your Chimney Cleaned Twice a Year 9) To Burn a Fire Safely, Build It Slowly, Adding More Wood as it Heats