If your fireplace burns wood, creosote is going to form in your chimney flue. Most reported chimney fires are started by ignited creosote, which can easily build up to dangerous levels. Fortunately, you can prevent or dramatically decrease the chances of a fire happening in your chimney. Keystone’s Fireplace & Stove of Mechanicsburg, PA, is here to tell you how.

The dangers of creosote

Creosote, a byproduct of smoke condensation, can present as a puffy, sticky, or solid substance. It’s flammable in all forms, and even an eighth of an inch can ignite.

Some chimney fires are big and obvious; others are relatively small and go out on their own before anyone in the house is aware of them. But all chimney fires can cause damage to the chimney liner, chimney masonry and building materials of the home.

Spotting a chimney fire

An active chimney fire often gives clues, including:

• Dense smoke coming from the top of the chimney or out of the fireplace
• A rumbling sound, like from a faraway train
• Odd tapping and clicking noises

If you notice these signs, call 911 and evacuate the house. Do not attempt to put out the fire yourself. Have the chimney system inspected before using the fireplace again.

Evidence of a previous chimney fire, typically found during an inspection, can include:

• Puffy creosote inside the flue
• A bent or discolored chimney cap or flue cover
• Cracking and crumbling bricks
• Black stains around the top of the chimney
• Deteriorated clay tile chimney liner
• Damage to a stainless-steel liner
• Black, charred flakes on the roof or in the yard

Have your chimney inspected once a year

A professional chimney inspector will do four primary things for you:

1. Evaluate your entire chimney system in the aftermath of a chimney fire
2. Determine if one or more fires have occurred
3. Detect early signs of damage and malfunction within the system caused by a chimney fire or other causes
4. Troubleshoot to resolve nagging problems such as sluggish fires, smoke backups and animals in the chimney

Chimney inspections, along with chimney sweeping to remove built-up creosote and debris, should be scheduled once a year.

Chimney fire prevention

A major key to preventing chimney fires is reducing the amount of creosote that forms in your flue. This is done by sending less smoke up the chimney. Here are some ways you can accomplish this.

Burn seasoned wood

Burn only dry logs, which produce much less smoke than damp logs.

Burn only tree logs

Burn nothing but wood logs – never make fires with boxes, scrap wood, painted wood, magazines, pieces of furniture, or anything else. And never start fires with kerosene, lighter fluid, or other accelerants. All of this can lead to major smokiness.

Ensure a sufficient draft

Make sure plenty of air is getting to the firebox so the fire will burn efficiently, completely, and with less smoke. An obstructed flue can reduce airflow, as can a broken damper or a house that’s too airtight with no windows open.

Gauge the temperature

Use a probe thermometer to gauge the flue temperature. Optimal fires will register between 600 and 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Too far below optimal can lead to excess smoke. Too hot can lead to dangerous operating conditions.

Keep your fireplace clean and healthy

Our field division, Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry Services, knows how to keep your chimney operating at peak safety and efficiency. We provide chimney sweeping, chimney inspections, and all types of repair and rebuilding work.

If it’s time to get your chimney in shape, call and speak with a chimney expert. You can also get in touch by using our contact form.