is this a fire hazard? we have a gas log set in our fireplace and a metal fireplace screen in front of the?

fireplace. my wife placed two 2 foot tall scarecrows on the fireplace hearth. one on the left side of the hearth and the other an the right. the scarecrows are made of straw. the fireplace screen is between the log set and these things sitting on the hearth. is it a fire hazard to have something like this sitting on the hearth when the fireplace is off but the pilot light is on? obviously i wouldnt light the set with these things on the hearth. i wonder if a spark could shoot out from underneath the log set pilot light and somehow make it through the screen and cause a fire. is this far fetched or is there a risk here?

Public Comments

1. The pilot light alone should not radiate enough heat to be concerned. I'd be concerned if you had pets that might knock the scarecrows into the fireplace though.
2. Best advice is to keep combustible materials at least 1.5 m (5ft) from any sources of ignition.