What to Do if You’ve Had a Chimney Fire

Chimney fires are more common than you might think. This is because many of them aren’t “full-on” fires that send blazes out the top of the chimney and set fire to the home. But even small chimney fires that start and go out on their own can begin a cycle of damage to your chimney.

Here’s some useful information on what to do if you’ve had a chimney fire or if you suspect you’ve had one.

Why do chimney fires start?

Several things can cause a chimney fire, but the most common is creosote inside the flue that has ignited. Creosote is formed by smoke from wood fires. You can’t prevent creosote from getting into your chimney, but you can keep it at a minimum with annual chimney sweep services by a certified chimney professional.

Alert: What are the signs of a chimney fire?

As noted, not all chimney fires are dramatic and highly destructive. Signs that will alert you to even smaller chimney fires include:

• Larger-than-usual amounts of dense smoke coming from the top of the chimney or the firebox
• A burning smell
• An odd ticking or clicking sound
• The sound of rumbling, like from a distant train

If you encounter any of these signs, extinguish the fire in the fireplace (if safe to do so) and call 911 or local emergency services.

Signs that a chimney fire has happened but isn’t necessarily happening now include:

• Sections of fire damage to the roof
• Cracks in the chimney’s exterior bricks and mortar
• Creosote flakes/chips on the roof and ground below the chimney
• Dark soot and smoke stains at the top of the chimney

Action: What to do after a small fire in your chimney

If you know you’ve had a relatively small chimney fire (that has gone out), or if you even suspect that one has happened, the first step is to stop using your fireplace until the chimney has been inspected.

CSIA-certified chimney inspectors perform all sanctioned levels of chimney inspection including inspections following a chimney fire. Before using your fireplace again, it’s important to have an inspector look down into the flue via video technology to assess the level of damage. The inspector also will check the exterior chimney masonry and components such as the fireplace damper and the chimney cap.

 large chimney fire

In this case, you’ll likely be working with contractors to rebuild destroyed areas of the home. As to the chimney, it probably will need partial or complete rebuilding, depending on the extent of the fire. For this work, it’s best to hire an experienced chimney mason rather than a “handyman” or general home repair person.

Prevention: The benefit of regular chimney inspections

By scheduling annual chimney inspections – ideally at the same time as your annual chimney cleaning – you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a chimney fire. Inspections will spot early signs of damage so they can be fixed, and cleanings will remove creosote and any debris that may have gotten into the flue.

Chimney Specialists of Highland, WI, with our satellite store in Dubuque, Iowa, is ready to help keep you and your home safe with expert chimney inspections, chimney sweep services and complete chimney repair and rebuilding. Call us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Chimney Specialists Inc.

869 Main Street, Highland, WI

Phone – (608) 929-4887 / Toll Free (800) 395-6660

Dubuque Fireplace & Patio

925 Century Drive, Dubuque, Iowa

Phone – (563) 582-5156