Are chimney fires common?

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 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.

What causes chimneys to 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 many house fires are caused by chimneys?

There are more than 25,000 chimney fires incurring $125 million-plus in property damage every year in the United States. That damage is largely due to flames in the lower chimney migrating upward to crack, warp, melt, or otherwise negatively affect the masonry or metal chimney walls.

Can the inside of a chimney catch on fire?

Chimney liners or structural problems can allow high temperatures, sparks and embers to escape to combustible areas in walls, roofs or attics. A common cause of chimney fires is creosote inside the chimney catching fire and burning inside the chimney.

How To Reduce The Risk Of A Chimney Fire

What are the first signs of a chimney fire?

Can you have a chimney fire and not know it?

Over 20,000 chimney fires happen on average every year. Despite this, many homeowners don't even realize it until they have a chimney inspection. You may have had one in your home without realizing it.

How do I make sure my chimney is safe?

How often are chimney fires?

According 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.

What do you do if your chimney is on fire?

How often should a chimney be cleaned?

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.

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.

What temp does creosote ignite?

The Dangers of Creosote

Creosote is highly combustible and is well known for its fire threat in chimneys of wood-burning fireplaces. Creosote's flash point (the lowest temperature at which vapors will ignite when given an ignition source like a spark or flame) is surprisingly low at 165-degrees Fahrenheit.

What does a chimney fire smell like?

A strong, intensely hot smell. A roaring sound, often described as being like a freight train or airplane.

What does a chimney fire sound like?

loud cracking and popping noise. flames shooting from your chimney. low, loud rumbling noise that sounds like a freight train or airplane overhead.

Can a fire be too big in a fireplace?

This is known as "over-firing." Burning things like paper trash (including wrapping paper) and construction lumber, or just overfilling the box with firewood creates extremely hot and large fires that will damage the containment box of smaller fireplaces over time.

What color should chimney smoke be?

The smoke coming out of your chimney should be almost colorless and thin. Thick, white or black smoke indicates that your fire is not receiving enough air. Woodstoves, fireplaces, and barbecues should be used in such a way as to minimize the impact on neighbors.

Do creosote sweeping logs work?

Many homeowners wonder if the chimney sweep logs or creosote sweeping logs really work to clean out fireplace flues and get rid of creosote residue so that the fireplaces are safe to use. The short answer is no, they don't work.

Can a fireplace explode?

Though very rare, gas fireplaces are susceptible to explosions and sudden fires. If the pilot light isn't sitting properly when the gas begins to flow, gas may build up and explode. Regular checks of the pilot light are important to keep this from happening.

Are brick chimneys safe?

They Are Low Maintenance – Although masonry structures need regular chimney relining to remain code-compliant, they're easy to maintain. For as long as signs of wear and tear are discovered and addressed early, Chimney Doctors is confident that masonry can remain waterproof and reliable.

What makes a chimney unsafe?

The five most common involve creosote, blockage, cracks in the flue, brickwork problems, and the chimney cap and crown.

What does black smoke coming out of chimney mean?

Smoke is unburned wood particles – if you can see smoke from a chimney, you need to improve your technique. If you see a lot of black smoke, it's a sign you're burning something toxic. a light colored smoke means your fire isn't burning efficiently and you need to adjust your air intake.

How hot does a chimney fire get?

Severely pyrolyzed wood can ignite at only 2l2 degrees F, while it would normally have a catch-fire temperature of about 500 degrees F, before it had any exposure to intense heat. FIRE IN YOUR CHIMNEY!!

How do you know if creosote is building?