Belt Insurance Agency
  • Home
  • Quotes
    • Auto Quote
    • Homeowner Quote
    • Life Quote
    • Business Quote
    • Condo Quote
    • Renters Quote
  • Service
    • Make a Payment
    • Update Contact Info
    • Proof of Insurance
    • Contact My Carrier
  • Blog
  • About
    • Staff Directory
    • Insurance Carriers
    • Client Testimonials
    • Refer a Friend
  • Contact

The Facts About Chimney Fires

10/25/2019

13 Comments

 
Your chimney–and the flue that lines it–adds architectural interest to your home, but its’ real function is to carry dangerous flue gases from your fireplace, wood stove or furnace safely out of your home. 
As you relax in front of your fireplace or bask in the warmth of your wood stove, the last thing you are likely to be thinking about is the condition of your chimney. However, if you don’t give some thought to it before you light those winter fires, your enjoyment may be very short-lived.

Why?

Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people. 
​

Indications of a chimney fire have been described as creating:
  • loud cracking and popping noise
  • a lot of dense smoke, and
  • an intense, hot smell

​Chimney fires can burn explosively – noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or people passing by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about.

The Majority of Chimney Fires Go Undetected
​Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible and they often go undetected until a later chimney inspection, but, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure – and nearby combustible parts of the house – as their more spectacular cousins.

Creosote & Chimney Fires: What You Must Know
Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fuel fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion – the substances produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote.  

Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and hardened. All forms are highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and the internal flue temperature is high enough – the result could be a chimney fire.  

Conditions that encourage the buildup of creosote:
  • restricted air supply
  • unseasoned wood
  • cooler than normal chimney temperatures

Air supply may be restricted by closing the glass doors, by failing to open the damper wide enough, and the lack of sufficient make-up air to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke’s “residence time” in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove’s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon or too much. Burning unseasoned wood – because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs– keeps the resulting smoke cooler, than if seasoned wood is used. In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup.
The Effect of a Chimney Fire on Your Chimney

Masonry Chimneys
When a chimney fire occurs in a masonry chimney – whether the flue is an older, unlined type or tile lined to meet current safety codes – the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000°F) can “melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material”.  Most often, thermal shock occurs and tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. This event is extremely dangerous, call 911 immediately.

Prefabricated, factory-built, metal chimneys
To be installed in most jurisdictions in the United States, factory built, metal chimneys that are designed to vent wood burning stoves or prefabricated metal fireplaces must pass special tests. Most tests require the chimney to withstand flue temperatures up to 2100°F – without sustaining damage. Under chimney fire conditions, damage to these systems still may occur. When prefabricated, factory-built metal chimneys are damaged by a chimney fire, they should no longer be used and must be replaced.  

Special Effects on Wood Stoves
Wood stoves are made to contain hot fires. The connector pipes that run from the stove to the chimney are another matter. They cannot withstand the high temperatures produced during a chimney fire and can warp, buckle and even separate from the vibrations created by air turbulence during a fire. If damaged by a chimney fire, they must be replaced.  

Nine Signs that You’ve Had a Chimney Fire 
Since a chimney, damaged by a chimney fire, can endanger a home and its’ occupants and a chimney fire can occur without anyone being aware of them it’s important to have your chimney regularly inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Here are the signs that a professional chimney sweep looks for:
  • “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
  • Roofing material damaged from hot creosote
  • Cracks in exterior masonry
  • Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners​

If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep for a professional evaluation. If your suspicions are confirmed, a certified sweep will be able to make recommendations about how to bring the system back into compliance with safety standards. Depending on the situation, you might need a few flue tiles replaced, a new liner system installed or an entire chimney rebuilt. Each situation is unique and will dictate its own solution.  

Proper Maintenance
Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Make sure a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® inspects your solid fuel venting system annually, and sweeps and repairs it whenever needed. Your sweep may have other maintenance recommendations depending on how you use your fireplace or stove. CSIA recommends that you call on CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps®, since they are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting systems.   ​

Source: 
https://www.csia.org/chimneyfires.html
13 Comments
Ron Booker link
1/13/2020 01:25:30 pm

It was interesting to read that dirty chimneys are of the causes of home fires. My folks moved to a house that's been abandon for years that has a huge chimney. I will let them know this so they can reach out to a chimney cleaning service in their area.

Reply
kate hansen link
5/29/2020 01:03:11 pm

It was really helpful when you said that a clean chimney won't catch fire. My husband and I just recently moved into a new home that has a chimney, and we were wondering how to keep it maintained and safe. We'll have to look into hiring a professional to come and help with cleaning our chimney.

Reply
Derek Swain link
3/9/2021 12:31:57 pm

I had no idea that accumulated creosote in your chimney can combust if the internal flue reaches a certain temperature. My wife and I have been interested in using our fireplace to keep our living room warm during an upcoming house party this weekend, but we have noticed that our chimney has been clogged by a lot of creosote since we don't have the tools needed to clean it. We should rely on a chimney sweeping expert that can help ensure that our fireplace is safe to use this week.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
11/12/2021 07:15:11 pm

Thank you for pointing out that when there is a lot of dense smoke when we put on a fire, it is a sign that our chimney is dirty. I noticed that my chimney was giving a lot of dense smoke along with a popping sound. I will definitely schedule to have my chimney cleaned to prevent any accidents in the future.

Reply
Afton Jackson link
7/26/2022 10:56:30 pm

Wow, I never realized that chimney fires are usually undetected and could ruin a home quite quickly. That definitely sounds like something I would end up experiencing with how often we forget to maintain our appliances here, and I don't want to lose my house so early. I'll ask a home chimney sweep expert to give me a hand with this so we can properly use our fireplace without any hazards.

Reply
Best Mortgage Broker Australia link
5/11/2023 12:06:18 am

This blog about chimney fires didn't fail to surprise me. This awesome. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Chimney Repair in Dallas, TX link
10/8/2023 10:23:17 pm

Just read this article and I can say these are awesome great tips on how to take care of your Chimney Repair in Dallas, TX. I will be using this tips for my own clients so that there Chimney Repair in Dallas, TX go smoothly!

Reply
chimney leak link
4/11/2024 09:14:00 pm

Thank you for shedding light on the crucial topic of chimney fires! Your article provides valuable insights into the causes, prevention, and potential dangers associated with these often underestimated hazards. As homeowners, it's essential to stay informed about the risks to our safety and property, and your thorough explanation equips us with the knowledge to take proactive measures. Your dedication to sharing such important information is truly appreciated.

Reply
Flue Pros Chimney link
11/24/2024 11:07:20 pm

Thank you for sharing this detailed and vital information about chimney fires. It’s a great reminder of how crucial regular chimney inspections and maintenance are for the safety of our homes. At Flue Pros Chimney in the Shenandoah Valley, we’ve seen firsthand how easily creosote buildup can lead to dangerous situations, especially when proper cleaning and inspections are overlooked.

We take pride in offering thorough chimney inspections to identify signs of damage or buildup before they escalate into something more severe, like a chimney fire. As noted in the post, even slow-burning chimney fires can cause significant damage that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. This is why regular cleanings and assessments are essential.

If you're in the Shenandoah Valley and want to ensure your chimney is safe for the winter, Flue Pros Chimney is here to help. We provide expert chimney repairs and maintenance to prevent chimney fires and keep your home safe all year long. Don't wait until you hear the "cracking and popping"—let us handle the inspection today!

Reply
Shane's Chimney Care link
12/3/2024 12:29:47 am


This is an essential read for anyone with a fireplace or wood stove, especially during the colder months when chimney fires are most likely to occur. As highlighted, creosote buildup is a major contributor to chimney fires, and even slow-burning fires can go undetected until significant damage has been done. That’s why it’s so important to have regular chimney inspections and cleanings by a professional chimney sweep, like Shane’s Chimney Care in Midland, TX.

At Shane's Chimney Care, we specialize in inspecting, sweeping, and repairing chimneys to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. A clean chimney reduces the risk of dangerous creosote buildup and the risk of chimney fires. Don’t wait until you hear that "freight train" sound—schedule a chimney inspection today and keep your home safe this winter.

Reply
Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link
12/29/2024 10:53:07 pm

Thank you for sharing such important information about chimney fires and the risks associated with them. It's a crucial reminder that while a chimney may seem like a safe, passive feature in our homes, improper maintenance can lead to dangerous, often undetected chimney fires.

As you've highlighted, creosote buildup is the primary culprit behind most chimney fires. Regular inspections and cleanings by a professional chimney sweep are essential in preventing this issue. At Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps in Alexandria, VA, we encourage homeowners to schedule an annual chimney inspection to ensure their fireplace or wood stove is functioning safely. A certified chimney sweep will check for creosote accumulation, cracks, and other potential hazards that could lead to a fire.

In addition to keeping the chimney clean, using seasoned wood and ensuring proper airflow can help reduce creosote buildup. If you're concerned about your chimney’s safety or think you might have had a chimney fire, we strongly recommend contacting a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.

Your post serves as an important reminder to take chimney safety seriously. Don’t wait for a potential fire—get your chimney inspected today and ensure the safety of your home and loved ones!

Reply
Residential Post-Construction link
4/15/2025 11:33:39 am

This blog is eye-opening! Chimney fires are more common than we think, and regular cleaning is a must. Thanks for sharing these crucial facts and safety tips—definitely worth the read!

Reply
Frechette Chimney Sweeping link
5/9/2025 06:14:19 pm

Thank you for this informative and timely reminder about the dangers of chimney fires and the critical importance of regular inspections. At Frechette Chimney Sweeping, we’ve seen firsthand how buildup of creosote and undetected damage can pose serious risks. As a trusted chimney sweep in Portland, ME, we specialize in comprehensive chimney cleaning, chimney repair, and fireplace repair services tailored to the unique needs of homes in the area. Our experienced technicians are well-versed in identifying early signs of trouble and ensuring your system is functioning efficiently before winter heating season begins. If you're in need of professional chimney service in Portland, ME, we’re here to help you enjoy your fireplace with confidence and peace of mind.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Contact Us

    (740) 927-1469
    30 S Township Rd
    ​Ste B

    Pataskala, OH 43062
    Click Here to Email Us

Navigation

Homepage
Insurance Quotes
Policy Service
Insurance Products
Contact Us
​
Agent Login

Connect With Us

Contact Us

Belt Insurance Agency
30 S Township Rd Ste B
Pataskala, OH 43062
(740) 927-1469
Click Here to Email Us

Location

Pataskala Banking Company.jpg by Wdzinc | CC-BY-SA-3.0 | Website by InsuranceSplash
  • Home
  • Quotes
    • Auto Quote
    • Homeowner Quote
    • Life Quote
    • Business Quote
    • Condo Quote
    • Renters Quote
  • Service
    • Make a Payment
    • Update Contact Info
    • Proof of Insurance
    • Contact My Carrier
  • Blog
  • About
    • Staff Directory
    • Insurance Carriers
    • Client Testimonials
    • Refer a Friend
  • Contact