To sign 'fireplace', you will combine the signs for 'fire' and 'place'. First, hold both hands in front of you with palms facing up and fingers open. Wiggle your fingers while moving your hands alternately up and down to mimic flickering flames. Then, form both hands into 'P' handshapes (or point your index fingers forward), touch the tips together in front of you, trace a horizontal circle outwards, and bring them back together to touch again.
Sign 'fireplace', followed by 'keep', 'living room', and 'warm'.
Point to yourself and others for 'we', sign 'sit', and then sign 'fireplace'.
Sign 'I', 'need', 'clean', 'fireplace', and finish with 'before winter'.
Sign 'fireplace', followed by 'keep', 'living room', and 'warm'.
Point to yourself and others for 'we', sign 'sit', and then sign 'fireplace'.
Sign 'I', 'need', 'clean', 'fireplace', and finish with 'before winter'.
While 'fire' might be understood in very specific contexts, it is best to use the full compound sign 'fireplace' to avoid confusion. Signing 'fire' alone could mean a campfire, a house fire, or the element itself.
Many signers use 'P' handshapes for 'place' as an initialized sign, but it is also very common and acceptable to use just your index fingers to trace the area, as shown in many variations.
The circle should be relatively small, about the width of your torso. It does not need to be exaggerated; a simple, clear horizontal circular motion is enough to convey the meaning.
