Tis the Season for Chimney Fires

 

By Marge Padgitt

Chimney Fire: Source: Marlboro FD, VA

It’s that time of year again – the season for chimney fires. As a chimney and fireplace service company we see the results of the lack of proper maintenance and improper installation that can cause fires and destruction of property, and in some cases injury or death. Chimney fires are preventable and should be avoided because of the risk that they could escape the chimney and catch the house on fire.  

All types of wood – even hardwood- creates creosote when burned. It accumulates on flue and smoke chamber walls and must be periodically removed. Chimney sweeping should be done by a professional chimney sweep who has the proper equipment to do the job right. First, tarps and a vacuum are set up. Then the sweep brushes the flue with wire brushes for masonry flues, or poly brushes for metal flues, and removes the creosote from the flue and fireplace or wood stove. Next, the sweep should run a chimney camera through the chamber and flue to inspect it and make sure there are no broken flue tiles, missing mortar, or blockages, or in the case of a manufactured fireplace or stove, that all of the metal pipe seams are solid and unwarped. The chimney sweep will then do a visual inspection of the interior and exterior chimney, check for proper clearance to combustibles and proper installation of components, then provide a report on its condition.

Chimney sweep  Source: Adobestock.com

It is very common for repair issues to arise with any type of chimney. Regular maintenance is
needed in order to keep the system functioning properly. Exterior masonry repairs should be done in the spring or summer, but if the chimney needs a new flue liner this can be done any time of year. Chimney fires can cause costly damage to a masonry or metal chimney system. If relining is necessary, it will cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, chimney fires are covered by homeowner’s insurance. However, it is best to avoid a chimney fire in the first place.  

According to the U.S. Fire Administration there were 83,300 house fires caused by heating in 2018.  The National Fire Protection Association’s latest press release dated November 22, 2010 estimates that 66,100 home fires caused 1.1 billion in property damage, 1,660 injuries and 480 deaths in 2008, which was a 0.5% decline from 2007.  15,200 (23%) of all home heating fires are creosote fires, which the NFPA calls “failure to clean” fires that were confined to a chimney or flue, or involved solid-fueled space heaters, chimneys, connectors, and fireplaces.  See the entire news release at www.nfpa.org

Tips:

1.       Never burn a dry Christmas tree in a fireplace.

2.       Only burn dry, seasoned hard or soft cordwood in a stove or fireplace

3.       Only burn one piece of hedge to two pieces of other types of wood.

4.       Have the chimney inspected and swept annually, or twice per season if using a wood stove.

5.       Have a Draw Collar installed for hard-starting wood stoves.

6.       When purchasing a new home have the chimney inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep prior to closing so you know what you are getting into.

7.       If you hear a whooshing sound, or freight-train like sound, or the room fills with smoke, get out of the house and call the fire department. Go outside and see if flames are shooting out the top of the flue.

 

See more information about chimney and fireplace maintenance and how to choose an appliance in Marge and Gene Padgitt’s new book Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking: How to choose, maintain, and operate a wood-burning appliance at Amazon.com or hearthmasters.net.