How to Prevent Chimney Fires

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), more than 20,000 chimney fires happen every year, causing millions of dollars in damage and sometimes even costing lives. That’s the bad news. The good news is, there are things you can do to significantly reduce the chances of a fire in your chimney. Here’s what you need to know.

Creosote 101

Most chimney fires are started by ignited creosote, which forms when wood burns in your fireplace and gradually builds up inside your chimney flue. Thus, a major key to preventing chimney fires is keeping creosote at a minimum. There are two primary ways to accomplish this.

Have your chimney professionally cleaned once a year

Professional chimney sweeps have industry-grade tools and the experience necessary to remove creosote in all its possible forms including solid, puffy, flakey and sticky.

Your technician also will inspect your chimney and alert you to damage that may have been caused by unobserved chimney fires or other issues.

Reduce the smoke your fireplace produces

Creosote originates as smoke. Once in the flue, it condenses into a flammable substance. It makes sense then that less smoke = less creosote.

Burn only dry (seasoned) firewood

Damp wood makes a lot of smoke. Logs should be given at least six months to dry out after harvesting to ensure they are as dry as possible.

Make sure there’s a good draft

A poor draft flowing into your firebox will cause logs to burn sluggishly, which produces more smoke. A draft issue could be caused by debris or creosote buildups in your flue or by a home that’s too air-tight. If it’s the latter, crack a window near the fireplace.

Never burn anything but wood

Foreign materials such as clothing, finished wood, magazines, household garbage, furniture and the like are not only very smoky but also very dangerous. Burn only proper wood logs in your fireplace.

Choose hardwoods over softwoods

Hardwoods like oak and hickory create less smoke than pine, redwood and other softwoods. Plus they burn longer and hotter.

Schedule annual chimney inspections

Chimney inspections are critical, no matter how well your chimney/fireplace system seems to be working or how new the system is. Experienced chimney inspectors bring homeowners great value by being able to spot early damage and malfunction that could turn into a major problem that’s both expensive and dangerous.

Your inspector will be looking for creosote and soot buildups in the flue as well as damage to the chimney’s masonry, liner and all other components.

An inspection also will alert you to debris such as leaves and twigs from nearby trees and the nesting material of small animals. These obstructions can cause a serious fireplace drafting issue and send smoke and deadly carbon monoxide into your home.

Most qualified chimney services companies can perform a chimney inspection and flue cleaning at the same time, or close together. Find a chimney company that’s credible, licensed, insured and able to talk with you in language you understand. Then use that company on a regular basis to keep your chimney safe, clean and working at its best.

Prevent chimney fires and more

Fire N’ Stone of Tilton, NH, has served New Hampshire’s Lakes Region since 2009 and is ready to help with all your chimney needs. We take chimney fires seriously and provide certified chimney sweeping, chimney inspections and all types of chimney repairs and rebuilding work.

Talk with an expert today at (603) 293-4040.