How to React to a Chimney Fire

As the weather outside turns blustery, fireplaces are lit both for comfort and relaxation. Unfortunately, several home owners will not have taken the time to have their chimney's cleaned and/or inspected prior to lighting up. This results in many chimney fires every year. What are you to do if this happens to you?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. If you suspect a chimney fire, call 911 before doing anything else. Then, you must put out the fire in the fireplace if safe to remain inside to do so. Use an ABC coded fire extinguisher, baking soda or sand. Do NOT use water, which can spread the fire outside of your fireplace into your home. Some signs that your chimney are on fire are the signature roar you will likely experience or observing sparks coming out from the top of the chimney stack.

2. Close your damper. This is the internal flap up inside the chimney that regulates how much oxygen you are allowing into your fireplace area. The idea is to deny all oxygen in order to smother the fire.

3. Spray your roof with a garden hose. This will help the fire from catching on your roof and engulfing your entire home.

Tips & Warnings

• Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and have fire extinguishers on hand and in operating condition.
• Do NOT do anything if it is not safe to do so. Do exactly as the 911 dispatcher tells you to do.

[rnmassage]

on 10/13/2009 As fall and winter are coming, it's a good idea to have your chimney checked by a qualified chimney sweep, chimney fires can ruin a cozy evening by the fireplace.. good tips, thanks