Chimney Fire Prevention Tips

Time for a Yearly Inspection

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) strongly recommends an annual inspection and thorough cleaning of your venting system by a licensed and insured pro. As CSIA states, “clean chimneys don’t catch fire.”

The Institute's website also lists some signs that you may have already had a chimney fire, which increases your risk for another one exponentially. Look for these telltale warnings:

• Warped metal on your damper or flue
• Creosote pieces in your house or on the roof
• Smoke-damaged mortar
• Exterior masonry cracks

Beloved morning icon The Today Show reports that the National Fire Protection Association blames dirty chimneys as a leading factor in house fires. They also advise that if your fireplace is new, it should be checked halfway through the first season of use to ensure everything is as it should be. 

Your Firewood Matters

Unfortunately, you can’t just burn anything in an indoor fireplace. Many combustible items that might seem ok, contain inks or treatments that can make harmful smoke and lead to creosote build-up — pretty much the biggest cause of chimney fires. 

Instead, you’ll want to do a bit of research to find the most appropriate wood to use. Thankfully, home restoration legend Bob Vila has several crucial pointers for homeowners on the best fuel for the fire:

• Use hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech.
• Make sure it’s completely dry.
• Seasoning your wood might take 1-2 years, but it’s worth it.
• You can add a bit of fir, pine, or cedar for the scent, but they’re best for kindling.
• Buy your wood before you need it!

Planning ahead with an inspection and stocking up on the right wood means you’ll be able to enjoy toasted marshmallows and fireside snuggles all winter long.

Meet The Real Enemy: Creosote

What is it, exactly? Creosote is simply a by-product of burning. It’s a black, tar-like substance that can also appear as a hard glaze. It’s a highly flammable compound, according to HGTV, and if ignited, "it can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees."

That’s why it’s crucial to get your chimney inspected by an expert at least once per year — or even more often if your fireplace is frequently used. This nasty stuff can build up fast, so be sure to check your flue regularly. If there’s even 1/8th of an inch of this yuck, it can start to smoke, make more of itself, and become an even bigger hazard. 

You’re Not Outdoor Grilling

Liquid accelerants may be all well and good if you’re firing up the Weber outside for an afternoon cookout, but you shouldn’t use them inside the house.  Building a fire indoors is an easy process and a skill everyone should have. Who better to learn from than Popular Mechanics?

Ready to get toasty and warm?

• Gather about 2 handfuls of twigs from outside, and break them into pencil-sized lengths.
• Get some newspaper and tear it into 2-inch wide strips.
• "Make sure that the chimney’s damper is open."
• Pile newspaper into a mound.
• Create a wigwam of twigs around the paper mound.
• Light it up.
• Blow on the bottom of the mound and add branches as needed. 
• Add larger logs, keeping the teepee shape. 
  

Going slow ensures you’ll have a safe and long-lasting fire to enjoy. Don’t forget to always have a fire extinguisher handy.

To Cap It All Off

Most homeowners don’t think about a chimney cap, but it’s actually quite an important feature. Without one, rain, snow, and miscellaneous other distasteful things can enter your chimney and cause damage or a blockage. While a cap isn’t totally absolutely necessary, it’s best to have one.

They help to prevent sparks from escaping onto your roof and causing a fire that way. Plus, caps keep critters from roosting in your chimney, as well as limiting moisture damage. Excess moisture can warp your damper, leading to an excess of carbon monoxide. Typically made from stainless steel or copper, your certified chimney inspector can help you determine the status of your chimney cap and get one installed if you need it.

Conclusion

Everyone loves to gather in front of a warm and mesmerizing fire. It’s one of the best aspects of winter. But if your chimney hasn’t been properly maintained, you and your family could be at risk for a sudden fire, and perhaps even lose your beloved home. But never fear — just follow the simple steps listed above to ensure that your chimney is clean as a whistle and your fireplace is ready for hours of enjoyment. 

Sources

• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-wood-for-fireplace/
• https://www.csia.org/chimneyfires.html
• https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/fireplaces-need-eternal-care
• https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/a25358496/how-to-build-fire-fireplace/
• https://www.today.com/home/chimney-cleaning-how-often-get-sweep-inspection-t104648