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WAYS TO PREVENT CHIMNEY FIRES

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

WAYS TO PREVENT CHIMNEY FIRES WAYS TO PREVENT CHIMNEY FIRES

WAYS TO PREVENT CHIMNEY FIRES

The leaves have fallen and the temperatures are continuing to drop as winter season is approaching. Many people are looking to their chimneys as a source of heat during the cold months. A fire can add warmth and comfort to a home but if they’re not properly maintained, they can also become a hazard.

The purpose of a chimney is to carry hazardous gases and smoke out of your home. If chimneys are not cleaned regularly, residue called creosote can build up inside your chimney and catch fire. Here are some tips on how you can prevent chimney fires.

  1. Minimize creosote build-up to prevent chimney fires.

By removing the buildup of creosote, you can help ensure that your chimney does not catch fire. Creosote is the main culprit of chimney fires. Use an extension pipe, a chimney brush and chemical creosote removers. Or you could call a professional chimney sweep who will do a deep cleaning of your chimney.

  1. Schedule an annual chimney inspection.

Many defects that lead to chimney fires, such as a cracked flue liner, aren’t visible to the naked eye. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year by a chimney professional.

  1. Only burn dried-out wood.

Cardboard, trash, or other objects can burn very quickly and the flames can get out of control. Placing these items in your fireplace can cause excessive smoke and creosote buildup, which can lead to a chimney fire.

  1. Stay on the lookout for signs of chimney fires.

Indications of chimney fires include dense smoke and a loud rumbling noise. If you think you have a chimney fire, get everyone safely out of your home and call the fire department immediately.

  1. Use clean burning techniques.

Low-temperature, slow-burning fires, particularly those left to smolder overnight, produce more smoke and leave behind more unburned combustible material. Hot, fast-burning fires, leave far less smoke, vapor, and unburned wood behind, so little to no creosote forms.

By following these tips, you can prevent a chimney fire from occurring. If there is a fire-related emergency in your home, our expert fire restoration team can assist you in restoring your home quickly.

Call us at SERVPRO of Ventura at (805) 656-3911.

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