What Is a Chimney Fire Extinguisher?
Chimney fires can cause major damage to your chimney and in severe cases can ignite nearby combustible items and result in a house fire. Chimney fires are very avoidable with proper and routine maintenance. If you do experience a chimney fire, there are steps you can take to extinguish the blaze. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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In order to extinguish a chimney fire, you can use a standard ABC class fire extinguisher. Aim the extinguisher at the fireplace and give it several short blasts. The extinguisher chemicals will be drawn up the chimney and should smother the flames. There is also an extinguisher known as a Fusee-type, which looks much like a road flare and ignites in the same way. You simply ignite the extinguisher and throw it into the fireplace. It will create heavy smoke, which will smother the fire.
Precautions
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When using either a standard fire extinguisher or a Fusee-type you will need to close the doors on the front of your fireplace (if you have them) to help prevent the fire from receiving additional oxygen.
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Safety
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If you do have a chimney fire call the fire department and make certain everyone is out of the house. Once the fire is extinguished, call a certified chimney inspector before using the fireplace again.
Prevention/Solution
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Chimney fires are easily avoided by making certain your chimney remains clean. Have the chimney inspected annually to check for any creosote buildup.
Warning
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Major chimney fires are very loud and easy to detect. Some chimney fires smolder and never fully ignite. These fires can burn at very high temperatures and will cause damage to the chimney and could spread to the main structure.
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