11 Ways to Prevent a Chimney Fire

A crackling fire is calming and warming when it’s cold outside, but your fireplace and chimney can be a fire hazard if not properly maintained. In this article, we’ll show you 11 ways to prevent a chimney fire. 

As you gear up for the upcoming winter this year, it’s time to brush up on fire safety with your fireplace. Let’s start with the importance of getting a chimney inspection.

1. Get a Chimney Inspection

Experts recommend getting a chimney inspection once a year to check for damage and potential fire hazards. 

Chimney inspectors look for the following signs of damage:

• Cracks
• Damaged chimney liner
• Broken flue tiles
• Debris
• Improper installation

In some cases, a chimney sweep will inspect your chimney while cleaning it. However, always ask if a chimney inspection is included in your service. 

2. Get Your Chimney Cleaned Regularly

The majority of chimney fires are caused by excessive creosote buildup. Creosote, a byproduct of combustion, is a highly flammable, tar-like substance that forms in chimneys.

Creosote is a result of incomplete combustion. Fires produce smoke made of particles and gasses that weren’t fully burned in the combustion process. When the smoke cools and condenses as it reaches the top of the chimney, it turns into a flaky, sooty substance. This substance is called creosote, which clings to the side of your chimney.

Hiring a chimney sweep once a year is how you can get rid of creosote buildup.  

A chimney should never have more than one-eighth inch of creosote buildup coating the walls. If you notice a deep creosote layer in your chimney or other signs that your chimney needs cleaning, schedule a professional chimney cleaning before using your fireplace.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends having your chimney cleaned once a year to remove creosote buildup and protect your home from fire. Preventing your chimney from getting dirty is one of the easiest ways to prevent chimney fires.

Tip: We recommend hiring a chimney sweep in the off-season (spring and summer months) since they are less busy. Additionally, the cost of a chimney cleaning is usually less during the off-season months. 

3. Remove Ash From Your Fireplace

Fires leave behind gray ash and charred wood. Once your fire is out and the fireplace is cool to the touch, sweep the ash out of your fireplace. 

Leaving piles of ash in your fireplace increases your risk of a chimney fire. Lighting a fire in a fireplace full of ash causes ash to rise and stick to your flue liner, creating more creosote.  

Additionally, ash-coated chimneys trap smoke and hazardous gasses like carbon monoxide.

4. Burn Dry Firewood

Using the right type of kindling has a big impact on how much creosote a fire generates and how well a fire burns.

To select the best firewood, follow these do’s and don’ts:

Do’s:

✓ Always burn dry, seasoned wood. Seasoned wood burns more effectively and reduces harmful byproducts.
✓ Use hardwoods. Choose hardwoods instead of softwoods. Hardwoods burn low and hot, last longer, and produce less creosote.

Don’ts:

✗ Don’t burn wood that is damp. Burning wet wood produces smoke and creosote.
✗ Don’t burn driftwood. The salt content in driftwood damages a chimney’s structure. 
✗ Avoid evergreen wood. Burning evergreen wood produces more smoke.

5. Burn Creosote Logs

When creosote logs are used in addition to cleaning as part of your chimney maintenance plan, they help break down creosote and tar buildup. Burning creosote logs reduces the risk of a chimney fire and makes it easier to clean your chimney. 

Note: Creosote logs should never be used as a replacement for chimney cleaning. 

6. Burn Only Wood

Never burn anything except wood in your fireplace, and never use lighter fluids or liquid accelerants to start your fire. Other materials produce harmful byproducts.  

Some of the best types of firewood include:

• Ash
• Birch
• Maple 
• Oak

7. Install a Chimney Cap

Chimney caps prevent debris and animals from entering your fireplace and keep sparks from starting a fire on your property. Debris in your chimney can cause a chimney fire. 

Chimney caps resemble mini roofs covering your chimney’s opening. They have built-in mesh to deflect debris and allow smoke and hazardous gasses to escape.

It is unsafe to work on your roof, so find a roofing professional to install a chimney cap on your roof. 

8. Add a Flue Liner

Flue liners, also called chimney liners, are made of ceramic or metal and insulate the walls inside your chimney. For the best results, install a stainless steel flue liner that can withstand very high temperatures.

If you have experience doing home improvement projects, you can replace your flue liner with a DIY job. However, installing a new flue liner yourself is a daunting task if you don’t know much about working on the roof. It is always safest to hire a pro to install a chimney liner.  

9. Ensure Your Chimney Has Adequate Airflow

Creosote buildup increases with poor airflow, and your fireplace needs proper ventilation to work properly. Keep your damper open whenever there is a fire to release smoke and provide oxygen. 

10. Create a Perimeter Around Your Fireplace

Fire is as beautiful as it is dangerous, so create a perimeter around your fireplace to keep flammable materials at a safe distance. 

Here are some flammable objects you should store outside of your fireplace perimeter:

• Books
• Flammable liquids
• Lighter fluid
• Blankets
• Paper products

11. Never Leave a Fire Unattended

Never light a fire you can’t watch. Chimney fires can reach temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause serious structural damage, including melting or cracking. 

Always extinguish your fire before leaving your house or going to bed. If a fire gets out of control while you are asleep or away from home, it could cause a house fire.

Unfortunately, fire can sneak up on even the most mindful homeowner. Keep a watchful out for these telltale signs of a chimney fire:

• Loud cracking or popping sounds
• Roaring sounds resembling a passing train or airplane
• Intense smell
• Dense, black smoke
• Flames at the top of your chimney

FAQ About Ways to Prevent Chimney Fires

Is it a fire hazard if I leave my flue open?

Yes. Leaving your chimney flue open leads to carbon monoxide buildup and other fire hazards. Closing your flue helps regulate the temperature of your home.

Does baking soda put out fires?

Yes. Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is effective at putting out fires and is used in fire extinguishers. When you’re ready to put out your fire, follow these simple steps:

1. Use a poker to spread out the embers and burning wood in your fireplace. 
2. Use a fireplace shovel to bury the embers and wood in cool ashes until all the flames have gone out. 
3. Cover the area with a layer of baking soda.

Regular Chimney Cleaning Reduces Fire Risk

Enjoying a cozy fire is relaxing, and you can rest easy if you maintain your fireplace with annual chimney inspections, hire a chimney sweep once a year, and stick to burning only wood (and the right kind of wood). 

Some of the ways you can prevent a chimney fire you can do yourself, and for some you’ll need the help of professionals, but following the checklist above should help keep you and your family safe.

Main Photo Credit: gabort / Adobe Stock Free / License