3 Tips To Prevent Chimney Fires

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

3 Chimney Fire Prevention Tips

Many homeowners do not give their chimneys the attention they deserve. It is a shame, because without proper maintenance, a chimney fire could break out. You will know if a fire has broken out in your chimney because you will notice black smoke coming out of the stack as well as an intensely hot odor. Fortunately, a few preventive actions can greatly reduce your chances of dealing with a fire like this in Whittier, CA

1. Clean Chimney Regularly

The easiest thing you can do is hire someone to clean the inside of your chimney from time to time. A professional knows what precautions to take to prevent injury. This is especially important because someone will need to get on the roof to clean effectively. You do not want to put yourself in harm’s way by getting on the roof yourself.

2. Only Burn Dry Wood

You want to avoid using wet wood in your fireplace. It is also good to avoid wood that is not yet fully cured to circumvent a chimney fire. Both of these varieties produce a greater amount of smoke. Therefore, they leave behind much more residue in the chimney. With dry wood, you will greatly reduce the amount of creosote left behind.

3. Avoid Burning Anything That Should Not Be Burned

Dry kindling or clean newspapers are some of the best ways to start a fire. However, too many homeowners simply toss whatever they have around the house in the fireplace. Wrapping paper and cardboard boxes should never be used. You should also avoid using gasoline in an attempt to get the fire going. All of these increase your risk of starting a fire.

A chimney fire can cause a lot of damage, and it will not take long until the fire spreads to other areas of your home. Fortunately, it is completely preventable as long as you know how to properly and safely use your fireplace.