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.
25,000+
Chimney Fires/Year (US)
$125M
Property Damage/Year
90%
Preventable with Maintenance
Annual
Recommended Inspection
Before Using Your Fireplace
- Have your chimney inspected annually by a CSIA-certified 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.