8 Tips for Avoiding Winter Chimney Fires

1. Check and clean your chimney every once in a while. 

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to do a chimney inspection a few times to see if there are any indications of possible chimney fires. Below are some signs of possible chimney fire:

• Loud cracking and popping noise
• Lots of dense smoke
• Intense, hot smell

Make sure to check for any of these signs and address them immediately.

2. Burn the hardest firewood that you can find or use dry wood. 

Make sure that the wood that you use in your chimney is not moist. Wet wood produces more smoke and accelerates creosote buildup, a leading cause of chimney fire. Opt for hard firewood, such as hickory, maple, or ash, as it is safe to use them. We also recommend building smaller fires with large compact bundles of wood. This way, you produce cooler fires that also prevent chimney fires.

3. Never burn more firewood than normal. 

We understand that you want to be as warm as you want during winter, but using oversized logs or excessive firewood also leads to creosote buildup or incomplete combustion, which causes even more fire. You should also not use the fireplace too much to avoid wear and tear.

4. Make sure there is proper airflow.

A chimney in an enclosed area with limited airflow can increase the risk of chimney fires. See to it that your damper is open to facilitate airflow. Once the fire is already cackling, open your glass doors to encourage proper ventilation.

5. Never leave a fire unattended. 

Always keep an eye on the fire and make sure to extinguish it completely before leaving the house or going to sleep.

6. Install smoke detectors. 

If you have a fireplace and chimney in your home, smoke detectors are a must. They provide early warning of potential hazards and prevent fire from occurring.

7. Educate your family. 

Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of fireplace safety. Regularly discuss and educate them on what to do to prevent fire.

8. Schedule Professional Inspections. 

We recommend that you have your chimney professionally inspected at least once a year. A qualified inspector will check your chimney for cracks, damages, improper installations, and more. We understand that it is an extra expense. But investing in the fire safety of your home is very important, so do not scrimp on it.

By following these tips, you can protect your home from even further damage. We know it is important to be warm and relaxed during winter with a fireplace. But it does not mean that you should ignore any signs of possible chimney fires. We hope our tips will help you prevent fires in your home.

Reliable and Meticulous Chimney Inspection Services

Get a professional chimney inspector who will help you every step of the way. At Quality Fireplace, Roof, & Chimney Services, we prevent fires before they cause damage. We offer meticulous chimney inspection, cleaning, and repair services.

Contact us at (+1) 262-786-4411 to book a chimney inspector today. If your fireplace needs a sudden inspection, we can help you any time of the day as we have emergency services 24/7. Email us at info@qualityfireplaceinc.com for more details about our other services.