How to Put Out a Chimney Fire

An uncontrollable chimney fire is scary and may be disastrous to your home or even life threatening for your family. Taking the proper precautions and steps to extinguish a chimney fire is vital. The following will guide you in your efforts to put out a chimney fire.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Baking soda or sand
• Metal container
• Fire extinguisher
• Hose
• Phone

1. Throw a large amount of baking soda or sand onto the fire. Spray the fire with a fire extinguisher if the dry ingredients don't stop it.
2. Cover the fire with a metal container, such as a cookie sheet or a trash can lid. Remember to use an oven mitt or tightly wrap a towel around your arm before placing the metal lid on the fire. This will protect your arm from the flames and even from the intense heat.
3. Close the doors to the fireplace. This will take away the fire's oxygen supply.
4. Get everyone out of the house.
5. Call 9-1-1.
6. Spray the roof with a hose once outside. This will help prevent the spread of the fire.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to prevent a chimney fire is to have the chimney's soot cleaned out frequently by a chimney sweep and have the fireplace checked prior to and during the months of use.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near the fireplace.
• If possible, it is best to let the fire burn itself out.
• Do not climb on top of the roof.
• Do not throw water into the chimney. The water may ruin the pipes or stove.

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