What to do if you have a chimney fire
- Call the fire brigade - 999
- If you have a stove then shut all air vents and flue dampers to reduce the chimney fire's oxygen supply
- If you have an open fire then gently splash water on it to extinguish the fire.
- Move flammable materials, furniture, ornaments away from the fireplace
- Get everyone out. ...
- Put the flames in the firebox. ...
- Hose down the chimney. ...
- Clear wood and ashes. ...
- Finish with a chimney extinguisher. ...
- Don't let your guard down.
How do you put out a chimney fire?
How do you put out a chimney fire? Use water or a fire extinguisher if the fire has spread outside the flue. You should leave the job of putting out the fire in the flue to the fire service, but if they cannot get to you quickly, you can try to control the fire with a powder extinguisher while you wait.
What happens after a chimney fire?
What Happens After a Chimney Fire? If you experienced an unfortunate chimney fire, the fire department likely controlled the fire and put out the flames. However, you can’t assume that they inspected, evaluated or cleaned your chimney. As such, it’s not advisable to use your chimney until after it’s been inspected by a professional.
What is the main cause of chimney fires?
- cracked flue tiles or tiles with missing pieces
- creosote that looks puffy or like a honeycomb
- warped metal accessories and parts
- discolored and/or distorted chimney cap
- TV antenna that has been damaged by heat
- pieces and flakes of creosote on the roof or ground
- damaged roof
- cracks in the bricks and mortar on the exterior part of the chimney
How to recognize a chimney fire?
- “Puffy” or “honey combed” creosote
- Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
- Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
- Discolored and/or distorted rain cap
- Heat-damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney
- Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
Will a chimney fire burn itself out?
It is not safe to assume that a chimney fire will burn itself out. Though it is possible that it will eventually burn off and end, it is much better to call 9-1-1 if you have a chimney fire. A chimney fire can potentially spread to other parts of your home and risk the lives of the people inside.
Can you use your fireplace after a chimney fire?
Luckily, chimney fires are almost entirely preventable with regular maintenance – a clean chimney simply cannot catch fire. Having a yearly chimney sweeping will remove any creosote buildup in the flue. Even glazed creosote can be removed, allowing you to safely use and enjoy your fireplace.
Why did my chimney catch fire?
Most chimney fires start inside the flue where there's either creosote buildup or a flue blockage of some kind. As heat from the fire reaches these flammable materials, the creosote or blockage ignites, starting a chimney fire.
How common are chimney fires?
There are over 25,000 reported chimney fires a year in the U.S. While some sound like a low-flying jet and include flames shooting out the top of the chimney, others are slow-burning and go undetected until a chimney inspection uncovers damage. Chimney fires are dangerous, but they are preventable.
Will a hot fire remove creosote?
One method to loosen crusty or tarry creosote so it flakes off and falls down into the firebox or fireplace is to burn aluminum cans in a very hot fire. While this method works, it does not clean the chimney of creosote completely, and chimney brush cleaning is still necessary.
How do you tell if you've had a chimney fire?
A loud, crackling or popping noise from the chimney flue (imagine the sound of a large bonfire) A lot of dense, thick smoke coming into the fireplace or out of the top of the chimney. Flames or things that are on fire (pieces of flaming creosote) coming from the top of the chimney. A strong, intensely hot smell.
Can you have a chimney fire and not know it?
While most people know that chimney fires are an all-too-common danger, few can recognize the dangerous signs if you have already had one. It's possible to have a chimney fire without even knowing it. A chimney fire in progress will present a few common clues: Loud cracking or popping noise of flue tile.
How do I make sure my chimney is safe?
How to Make Sure Your Fireplace & Chimney Are SafeThere's no bird nest or debris buildup on the cap.There are no tree limbs above or near the chimney.The mortar and bricks on the chimney aren't crumbling or missing.The chimney rises at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.More items...
How many chimney fires a year?
25,000 Chimney FiresAccording to the latest statistics available, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars in property damage. The most sobering statistics relate to deaths and injuries that can result from chimney fires that spread into house fires.
Is it normal for sparks to come out chimney?
Not only is this situation not normal, it's not safe. If you see sparks and embers coming from the opening of your chimney, there's a good likelihood that a chimney fire is occurring. Whether it's from debris in the flue or you have creosote buildup in your chimney, it must be cleaned before you build another fire.
How often does your chimney need to be swept?
one time a yearHow often should you clean your chimney? Both the NFPA and Spisto recommend getting your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year by a qualified professional. Carli says that regardless of chimney type, you should you have your chimney swept at least one time a year.
How much does it cost to install a chimney liner?
The average cost to have a chimney lined by a professional is going to be about $2500. Depending on the type of chimney liner, it could cost up to $10,000. The average DIY chimney liner installation is going to cost about $750 and could cost as high as $3000 for the material.
Can you have two fireplaces back to back?
Multi-Level Fireplaces Each fireplace can face the same direction, if you want, since they will not block each other. You might even choose to combine a multi-level fireplace with a double sided fireplace, combining three fireplaces into one chimney.
Can a fireplace share a chimney flue?
Shared fireplaces often share the same flue. It is also common for a single flue to serve both a heating appliance, such as a boiler or water heater, and a fireplace.
Can you use the same chimney for two fireplaces?
A. Your problem is not new but tends to be more common in tight, well built modern houses with multiple fireplaces sharing the same chimney. Fireplaces can't share the same flue but can be run in the same chimney with their own flue liners.
How often should you have your wood stove chimney cleaned?
twice a yearIf you have oil or wood burning fireplaces, Spisto says that you should clean those twice a year, depending on usage. While you should hire a professional to get your chimney cleaned and inspected annually, you can also follow best practices to help maintain your chimney year-round.
What to Do During a Chimney Fire?
The best thing you can do is to starve the fire of much-needed oxygen by closing the glass doors of the fireplace. If you’re using a stove, immediately shut off all air vents, close the inlets and flue dampers to eliminate the oxygen supply.
How to Protect Your Home from a Chimney Fire?
Anytime you burn wood inside your home, it should always be dry firewood. Less than 20% moisture is ideal for optimal safety, and it should be seasoned for up to a year.
How to keep a chimney safe in winter?
Do your part to keep the chimney safe by following these guidelines. Minimize smoke and soot by using dry, seasoned wood. Burn smaller fires to reduce creosote buildup in the chimney.
What can block a chimney?
Over time, creosote, debris, and chemicals build up in the chimney. In rural areas, blowing leaves and animal nesting materials can also block a chimney. The next time a homeowner starts a fire in the stove, these blockages rapidly become hazards. With that in mind, maintaining your chimney is a critical part of keeping your home, family, and property safe.
What Causes a Chimney Fire?
Firefighters determined that the likely cause was creosote buildup inside the chimney.
How Common are Chimney Fires?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), chimney fires cause more than more than 20,000 residential house fires annually. These residential fires can be devastating and often result in extensive loss of property or – worse – injury to people living in the house.
How to tell if a chimney is slow burning?
These are five signs of a slow-burning fire inside your chimney. Creosote shards in the grate, on the roof or around your home’s exterior. Cracked flue tiles or chunks of damaged tile that fall into the firebox. Warped metal components, including the damper, smoke chamber and flue liner.
What caused the chimney fire in Rachael Ray's house?
Firefighters determined that the likely cause was creosote buildup inside the chimney.
Why do chimneys flare up?
While many chimney flare-ups result from accumulated creosote, there are other problems that cause chimney fires.
How to protect yourself from a chimney fire?
Chimney fires may stay contained within a chimney –– or they may spread to the rest of the house. Regardless, your first action should be to get out of the house. From there, call the fire department. If possible, it may be a wise idea to close the damper on the fireplace to “smother” the chimney fire. (No oxygen, no fire.) However, don’t put yourself in danger by attempting to close a damper or put the fire out yourself. Safety is the first priority!
How to tell if a chimney is a fire?
Chimney fires are most dangerous when they spread to your roof, so if you notice the tell-tale signs of a chimney fire like dense, black smoke or a loud, train-like sound emanating from your fireplace, go outside and spray water on the areas around your chimney. And remember, once you’re outside, stay there until help arrives.
How often do chimney fires happen?
Thousands of chimney fires happen every year, and, in some instances, homeowners may not even be aware that they’ve had a fire. Certain fires are slow-burning and self-contained, but they can still cause a great deal of damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to always follow basic fireplace safety procedures. Properly cleaning your fireplace and scheduling regular inspections will help you avoid dangerous fires. For a more in-depth look at how you can prevent chimney fires, check out our blog here.
Is a chimney fire a serious threat?
Chimney fires are a serious threat to homeowners, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. In addition to the millions of dollars in property damage chimney fires cause every year, they are also incredibly dangerous. With that in mind, all homeowners who have and regularly use their fireplace should understand some basic chimney-fire safety tips. Here are the first five things you should do in the case of a chimney fire:
Can you use a chimney after a fire?
All chimney fires happen for a reason –– so don’t use your chimney after a fire! Instead, call a professional first to inspect your home and your chimney. They’ll be able to 1) diagnose the problem that started the fire and 2) clean/repair it. It’s a wise idea to schedule regular chimney inspections annually, but it’s absolutely imperative to talk to a professional in the wake of a fire. Otherwise, you could put you, your family, and your home at risk again!
What to do if your chimney is on fire?
Safety First. As soon as you are aware that the chimney is on fire, evacuate all family members and pets from the building, and call the fire department. Even if you do end up extinguishing the fire by yourself, it is always a good idea to have firefighters on their way in the event that things go wrong. Before attempting to put out ...
How to keep a fire from burning?
Close Openings. Close any primary or secondary openings into the fireplace or chimney. This helps to deprive the fire of the oxygen it needs to keep burning. This may eliminate smaller fires altogether, or just lessen the flames in something larger.
How to save a fire in a fireplace?
Put Out the Fire in the Grate. Tip a generous amount of sand or baking soda onto the fire. This also helps to starve the flames of oxygen. Keeping a bucket of sand by your fireplace at all times is generally a good, practical idea that might just save your home!
What is chimfex used for?
Chimfex is similar to a road flare. Once lit, it is tossed into the fire where it consumes all the available oxygen in the flow path. These are fairly inexpensive and have a decent shelf-life.
Can a chimney fire start?
Always take the proper precautions when using your fireplace to ensure that a chimney fire never starts. However, in the event that the unexpected does happen, taking quick decisive action can save your home. Just make sure to look out for your own safety first before tackling this problem.
Is fire ex good for a fireplace?
These are fairly inexpensive and have a decent shelf-life. FireEx is another such product that tends to be a bit more expensive, but airtight plastic packaging ensures that it has an indefinite shelf-life. It is a good idea to have a few of these products handy at all times if you use your fireplace frequently.
Is a chimney fire dangerous?
A chimney fire is a frightening occurrence and can be potentially dangerous to your property and your family. Knowing what steps to take in the event of a chimney fire is important but surprisingly, few of us are ever prepared for it or know what to do if the worst happens.
