Chimney Fires and Chimney Inspections: Warning Signs, Yearly Checks, and How to Hire a Chimney Professional

What Causes Chimney Fires and Their Warning Signs?

Most chimney fires happen because of creosote buildup. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Burn Wise program explains that creosote is a highly combustible black or brown residue. It forms when smoke from burning wood rises into a cooler chimney and condenses, sticking to the inside walls. If enough creosote builds up, it can cause a chimney fire.

Creosote builds up more easily under certain conditions:

• Restricted Air Supply: If your damper isn’t open wide enough, smoke stays in the flue longer, making creosote more likely to form.
• Unseasoned Wood: Burning wood that isn’t fully dry, called unseasoned wood, creates more smoke, which leads to more creosote.
• Cooler Chimney: When the chimney is cooler than normal, creosote can form more easily.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services states that most chimney fires happen because of this creosote buildup. Cracks in your chimney’s flue or masonry can allow embers, flames, and superheated gases to escape. This can ignite parts of your home.

Ohio’s State Fire Marshal points out several warning signs of a chimney fire. These include loud crackling, rumbling, or roaring noises. You might also see a red-hot stove pipe. If you notice these signs, a chimney fire may be happening.

Remember, chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair are jobs for a qualified professional.

What to Do During and After a Chimney Fire

If you believe you have a chimney fire, it’s important to act quickly and safely. Ohio’s State Fire Marshal gives clear advice:

• Get everyone out of the house immediately.
• Call the fire department.
• Never throw water on a hot stove.

After a chimney fire, do not use your fireplace or wood stove again until it has been thoroughly checked. Ohio’s State Fire Marshal says a professional must inspect the chimney and stove pipe before you use them again.

If you smell smoke in your home from your wood-burning appliance, the EPA Burn Wise program advises you to:

• Shut down your wood-burning appliance.
• Open a window.
• Make sure the flue is open.
• Call a professional wood stove installer or chimney sweep.

Before you light any fire, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services reminds you to always check that your damper is open. A closed damper can cause smoke and dangerous carbon monoxide to build up inside your home.

Do not try to go on the roof, look into your chimney, clean it yourself, or fight a chimney fire. These tasks are dangerous and require professional expertise.

Why Annual Inspections Are Crucial

Regular professional inspections and cleaning are essential to prevent chimney fires and ensure your heating system is safe. The U.S. Fire Administration, EPA, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, and Ohio’s State Fire Marshal all recommend having your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.

During an inspection, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that a heating inspector should check your chimneys and flues for:

• Blockages
• Corrosion
• Partial or complete disconnections
• Loose connections

The CPSC also warns never to service fuel-burning appliances without the proper knowledge, skill, and tools. This is a job for trained professionals.

For new installations, Ohio’s State Fire Marshal advises having a qualified professional install your stove, chimney connector, and chimney. In Massachusetts, a building permit is needed before installing a fireplace or a wood, pellet, or coal stove. A local building inspector must check a new one before it is used, and a qualified mason should inspect the chimney and flue before the stove is used.

How to Hire a Qualified Chimney Professional

Choosing the right professional is important for your safety. The EPA Burn Wise program notes that errors in installation by someone who is not a professional may not be visible. Problems might not appear until they cause a home fire. Checking credentials is one of the best ways to find competent professionals for installation and maintenance.

When hiring a professional for chimney work:

1. Check for Licenses and Insurance: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises considering only contractors who are licensed and insured. Confirm a contractor’s license with your state or county government and ask for proof of insurance.
2. Get Written Estimates: The FTC suggests getting written estimates from several firms. The firm with the lowest bid may not always be the best choice.
3. Ask for Credentials: As the EPA suggests, ask about their experience, training, and any certifications they hold. This helps ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed for the job.

When This Advice May Not Fit

This advice is for homeowners using a fireplace or wood stove. If you are dealing with a chimney fire that has spread beyond the chimney itself, or if you suspect structural damage to your home, you should immediately contact your fire department and your homeowner’s insurance company. If you are a renter, contact your landlord or property management immediately. If you have concerns about the safety of your fuel-burning appliances or believe there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, contact a qualified professional immediately. Never try to fix gas lines, electrical panels, or structural parts of your home yourself. Also, leave removal of lead paint or asbestos to qualified professionals.