Why do I keep getting chimney fires?

The main culprit of chimney fires is creosote. This highly flammable, dark brown substance coats chimney walls when by-products of a fire (smoke, vapor, and unburned wood) condense as they move from the hot fireplace or wood stove into the cooler chimney.

What is the main cause of chimney fires?

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 do you avoid a chimney fire?

Avoid burning evergreens—they tend to pop and spark more than hardwoods, creating a fire hazard. Keep the damper fully open. Restricted air supply from a partially closed damper adds to creosote buildup, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Be smart about what you're burning.

Does a chimney fire damage the chimney?

It is produced by burning wood. If there is a large amount of creosote, it can burn for a long period of time and reach extremely high temperatures that can cause severe damage to the chimney system and to your home. The damage can include: Cracked or collapsed tile flue lining.

Why are embers coming out of my chimney?

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.

Tips for Preventing Chimney Fires

What are the first signs of a chimney fire?

Will a chimney fire go out by itself?

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 to do if a chimney fire occurs?

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.

How can I tell if my chimney needs cleaning?

How do you know if creosote is building?

Does burning salt clean a chimney?

Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is a simple chemical that is easy to find. Put a little salt in the fire while it is burning. The salt combines with the water in the burning wood to create a weak acid that travels up the chimney and dissolves small amounts of creosote.

Will a hot fire burn off creosote?

Creosote is a contaminant that is naturally produced during the chemical reaction of combustion when burning a fire. It is an oily, tarry substance that is highly flammable. A spark from an ember is all it takes to set the chimney alight. Creosote will continue to accumulate with every fire unless it is removed.

Can I use water to put out fire in fireplace?

It is important to note that you should avoid using water as a method to put out a fire. Doing so can cause an outburst of smoke and it can also lead to steam burns. Water should only be used as a way to extinguish a fire in a fireplace in an emergency situation where there is nothing else available.

Where do chimney fires start?

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.

Do the chimney cleaning logs really 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. At least, not well enough to completely clean out the flue the way it should be cleaned.

Does burning wet wood cause creosote?

Burning wet wood can cause increased creosote production because of incomplete combustion of the firewood. As the moisture level of firewood increases the amount of creosote being produced by the fire can also increase.

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.

Does burning potato skins clean chimneys?

Burning the potato peels will not eliminate all soot or creosote buildup, but they will reduce it. A normal and regular chimney cleaning is still needed to keep the fireplace working properly and safely.

Does burning aluminum cans clean your chimney?

Burning aluminum cans does not get rid of the creosote, it merely turns it to flakes and powder. It remains necessary to physically clean the chimney with the correct chimney brushes.

How do you keep creosote from building up the chimney?

Why does my chimney have so much creosote?

Creosote buildup increases when the air supply is restricted in the chimney, unseasoned wood is used to make a fire, and when the chimney temperature is cooler than normal. Too much creosote buildup can cause chimney fires and these low burning fires can go undetected until they spread.

How do you stop creosote burns?

How often should you burn a creosote log?

For the best results, you should use one log for every 60 fires. If you're not sure how frequently you use your chimney, keep track of every fire. You might hit 60 fires in two months, or it could take longer.