Tips To Prevent Chimney Fires

This is the time of year that you have been waiting for all year. The holidays are just around the corner as well as the use of your fireplace. While you are getting ready for the holidays with all the excitement that comes with it, don’t forget about what needs to be done to have a safe burning season. Let’s discuss some of the ways to prevent chimney fires.

Preventing A Chimney Fire

• Your best plan would be to have an annual chimney sweep. Don’t put this off. A chimney sweep will clean out any accumulated creosote which is a fire starter. 
• Chimney Inspection. These tasks are important to the upkeep of your fireplace and chimney. Over the years your chimney is subjected to harsh weather. Heavy snow and burning heat from the summer, all seasons can affect the life of your chimney.
• Burn the best wood for your wood fireplace. To avoid the buildup of creosote, burn only well-seasoned wood. Always burn the hardest wood as well such as oak, hickory, maple, birch, and ash. Hard wood burns hottest for best burning.
• You may consider installing a stainless-steel liner. A liner will withstand the hottest temperatures. This will also help keep embers within the fireplace.
• Inspect your chimney cap. You most likely will get your chimney swept yearly, but in between cleanings take a look at your chimney cap. The chimney cap keeps debris and leaves as well as small animals and birds from finding their way in. Make sure that it hasn’t been damaged, if you see damage get it fixed. 
• Use glass doors. Installing glass doors not only protects your home from sparks escaping the fireplace, but it also lets out heat to warm your house.
• Soot buildup. Soot is another substance that may build up on the inner portions of your fireplace and chimney. When the fireplace is completely cooled, wipe that soot out of the fireplace the best you can. Soot is a softer substance, unlike creosote. The buildup can impede the clean exit for fire and smoke. 

What Does A Chimney Fire Sound like? 

If you hear a loud rumbling sound, that of a freight train, you should take action. Some have described the existence of a fire as such.

• Cracking and popping noise, that is loud.
• Thick smoke
• A smell of fire

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If you suspect a fire, contact 911 immediately. Be safe, always have a fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it. 

The prevention is up to you. Take care to have your chimney inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. When you are in need of an appointment, give us a call at Chimney Solutions. 

Chimney Solutions strives to bring the highest level of professional and technical expertise to our service area. The rewards of protection of property and life, health and safety, as well as, the education of ourselves, our customers and others fuel our quest for excellence. Though we offer premium brand name chimney supplies, we also have our very own metal shop for custom made caps and shrouds.