A neglected chimney is a dangerous chimney. The Consumer Product Safety Commission data for 2009 2011 reveal at least 24,300 residential fires related to the fireplace, chimney, or connector that caused at least 20 deaths, 90 injuries, and nearly $116 million in property loss.
Most of these fires involve the chimney rather than the fireplace or stove.
What happens inside your chimney? Your chimney is designed to expel combustible byproducts quickly. As smoke cools, it condenses to form creosote, a flammable black tar substance that sticks to the walls of all wood burning chimneys. Low burning temperatures, uncured firewood, incomplete combustion, or combustion byproducts that stay in the chimney too long cause faster creosote buildup. The result? Increased fire risk.
- Insure the system has been properly installed. If in doubt, have the system checked by a building inspector or fire official.
- Operate the appliance within the temperature limitations suggested by the manufacturer. Lower temperatures increase creosote buildup, while higher temperatures may damage the system.
- Clean and inspect the system at least yearly using a qualified professional. Also, check frequently for structural failure or creosote buildup.
- Burn seasoned hard wood. Unseasoned or soft woods burn at lower temperatures and have higher levels of tar.
