Stay Safe

Chimney & Fire Safety Tips

Your safety is our top priority. Follow these tips to keep your family and home safe when using your fireplace.

34,200

US home heating fires a year

49%

Confined to the chimney or flue

$367M

Property loss a year

Annual

Recommended Inspection

Before Using Your Fireplace

Have your chimney inspected annually by an experienced professional
Clean your chimney when creosote buildup exceeds 1/8 inch
Check that the damper opens and closes properly
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working
Remove any debris or bird nests before the first fire of the season

While Using Your Fireplace

Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping
Never leave a fire unattended - especially with children or pets
Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood - never trash, paper, or treated wood
Keep flammable materials at least 3 feet from the fireplace
Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire

After Using Your Fireplace

Allow ashes to cool completely before disposal (at least 24 hours)
Store ashes in a metal container with a tight lid, away from the house
Close the damper only after you're sure the fire is completely out
Never leave the damper open when the fireplace is not in use
Check the firebox for any damage after heavy use

Warning Signs to Watch For

Smoke backing up into your home when using the fireplace
Strong odors coming from the fireplace or chimney
Black soot around the fireplace opening
Visible cracks in the chimney structure
White staining (efflorescence) on chimney bricks
Rust on the damper or firebox

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

A damaged or blocked chimney can allow deadly carbon monoxide to enter your home.

CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless - you can't detect it without a detector
Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion
A blocked or damaged chimney can cause CO to back up into your home
Install CO detectors on every level of your home
If your CO detector sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911

FAQ

Safety FAQ

Common questions about chimney and fireplace safety

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections. Even if you don't use your fireplace often, animals, debris, and deterioration can create hazards.

Creosote is a tar-like substance that builds up inside chimneys when wood is burned. It's highly flammable and is the leading cause of chimney fires. Stage 3 creosote (glazed) is especially dangerous and requires professional removal.

Signs include: thick black buildup visible in the flue, smoke not drafting properly, strong odors from the fireplace, or if it's been more than a year since your last cleaning. A professional inspection is the best way to know for sure.

While DIY chimney cleaning products exist, we strongly recommend professional cleaning. Improper cleaning can damage the flue liner, miss dangerous buildup, or leave hidden hazards. Professional cleaners also inspect for structural issues you might miss.

Schedule Your Safety Inspection

Don't wait for a problem. Our expert technicians will ensure your chimney is safe for the season.

Standards This Guidance Follows

The thresholds on this page come from published national standards, not from our own opinion. Both sources are linked so you can check them yourself.

NFPA 211National Fire Protection Association
Chimneys, fireplaces and vents are to be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances, regardless of how often the fireplace is actually used.
View the source
USFA heating fire statisticsU.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), Topical Fire Report Series Vol. 21 Issue 10
From 2017 to 2019 US fire departments responded to an annual average of 34,200 residential building heating fires, causing 165 deaths, 600 injuries and $367 million in property loss. 49.43% of those fires were confined to the chimney or flue.
View the source
CSIA sweeping thresholdChimney Safety Institute of America
CSIA recommends masonry fireplaces be swept at 1/8" of sooty buildup, and sooner if any glaze (creosote) is present. Factory-built fireplaces should be swept when any appreciable buildup occurs.
View the source

A yearly inspection is the baseline the standard sets. If you would like one scheduled, request a free estimate and we will tell you what we find before any work is quoted.