How to Avoid Chimney Fires

Creosote accumulates in the chimney when you burn wood in a fireplace or stove. The build-up of creosote makes chimney fire a concern. These noisy fires flare up without notice and create intense heat that can damage the chimney and potentially destroy the home. Regular maintenance is the best prevention.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have the chimney inspected on a regular basis. Hire a professional to make repairs immediately before a change in season worsens any damage.

2. Create as few bends as possible in the chimney of a wood-burning stove in order to allow maximum draft up and out the chimney. Install the proper size stove pipe with a separate flue for each stove or fireplace.

3. Engage the services of a professional chimney sweep to remove built-up creosote and improve the chimney's draft. Choose a bonded sweep from the phone directory or ask neighbors and friends for recommendations. Gauge the number of cleanings by the frequency of use of the fireplace.

4. Reduce creosote build-up by stoking fires often to increase the airflow to the fire. Leave the door open slightly on wood-burning stoves after adding wood to the fire to promote more rapid burning, which reduces creosote formation in the chimney.

5. Use only seasoned woods in the fireplace with consideration to the degree of dryness rather than hardwood or soft woods. Build smaller fires that burn hotter, produce less smoke and create less creosote that collect in the chimney.

6. Cap the chimney to prevent birds and squirrels from nesting in the top of the brickwork. Investigate signs of nesting (bird noises coming from the hearth, animal droppings in the fireplace) immediately. Remove the nests, which are highly flammable.

Tips & Warnings

• If you experience a chimney fire, call the fire department. Throw a large glass or two of water on a chimney fire. The steam created by the water on the hot fire will help squelch the fire in the chimney.
• Never burn trash, cardboard, wrapping paper or the Christmas tree in the fireplace. Floating ash can cause a chimney fire.