Preventing Chimney Fires

You hear a whistling sound and your neighbor calls to tell you they see flames shooting out of
your chimney. A chimney fire how can that be, after all, aren’t chimneys built to contain heat and flames from a fire. Well unfortunately, dirt and creosote buildup in chimneys can lead to a fire that can spread and consume your whole house.


Some tips to prevent chimney fires:
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep.

- Burn seasoned wood (wood that has been split and dried for at least six months).

- Burning unseasoned wood creates moisture which leads to creosote buildup on the
inside of the chimney.

- Build a smaller, hotter fire that burns more completely.

- Do not burn cardboard, wrapping paper or trash.

- Install a chimney cap.

- Remove ashes in sealed metal container.

- Store ashes away from house and any other combustibles.

When you suspect a chimney fire get out of the house and call 911.

- Guest Blogger Doug Gochenaur is Fire Administration Officer for Hampden Township.