If you know anything about creosote, then you know it’s highly flammable. Creosote accumulation is a major cause of chimney fires and, the more you have of it, the higher the risk is. Staying educated on signs of chimney fires is important if you own a fireplace or wood stove, as is investing in regular preventative maintenance, inspections, and sweepings. Call on the CSIA certified staff at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County today, so we can set you up right this holiday season!
Loud And Obvious
Chimney fires are not all the same, and it’s important to be aware of what you may be in store for, should one occur. Let’s start with the more obvious ones. If conditions are just right, a chimney fire can cause a lot of commotion. Homeowners may hear crackling, rumbling, or popping, and it could be loud enough that neighbors or people walking past will hear it. These also come with a strong burning smell and a lot of dark smoke coming out the chimney.
In these cases, it’s pretty clear what has happened. You should call the fire department to ensure all flames are put out and your home is safe. Then, do not use your fireplace or wood stove until a CSA certified chimney expert can come take a look at it. The inspection may reveal damage sustained to the chimney during the event. In order for it perform safely and operate as it should any damage should be repaired before your fireplace or wood stove can be used again. It is vital that you do not use it until these are completed.
Slow And Secretive
Unfortunately, the majority of chimney fires that occur aren’t so obvious. They happen unbeknownst to the homeowner, burning so slowly that they don’t make any noise or show any immediate visual signs. Yet, that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as bad for your chimney! Any chimney fire (loud or quiet) will cause large amounts of damage and will put your home and family at risk.
In these cases, the owner of the fireplace or wood stove will often continue using their chimney system, not realizing they are putting themselves and loved ones in serious danger. As your structure weakens, stray flames can easily escape through holes and cracks and catch the rest of your home on fire. Because of situations like this, it is vital that homeowners invest in regular inspections and sweepings. When we stop by for your annual inspection, we can ensure that everything is still in tip-top shape, allowing you peace of mind this holiday season.
Minimizing Your Risk
If you want to decrease your chances of experiencing a chimney fire, there are few things you can do. First of all, as we stated before, invest in chimney maintenance from a CSIA certified professional! This is the best way to ensure everything is safely operating and performing as it should.
Next, burn only well seasoned dry wood and make sure you’re getting good airflow through your system. This will reduce creosote accumulation, thus minimizing your risk for a chimney fire. Depend on Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County, and we can set you up right! Call today to schedule your next appointment.