Tips To Prevent Chimney Fires

The last thing homeowners want to worry about when enjoying a fire is the risk of a chimney fire. A cozy, enjoyable night can take a turn quickly if a fire breaks out. Luckily, there are several steps that homeowners can take to mitigate the risk. 

#1 Critical Fire Safety Tip: Regular Maintenance

If you’ve spoken with chimney professionals, it’s likely that you’ve heard how important regular maintenance can be. Not only can regular maintenance lessen the risks of structural or large-scale issues, it can also make for more enjoyable and safe fires. 

Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), homeowners should schedule annual inspections. This allows for chimney professionals to get eyes on the ins and outs of your structure. They can pinpoint potential issues early. This can save homeowners thousands down the line if they catch a small issue before it escalates to a major issue. They can also see if small repairs need to happen. Usually, in the same appointment, they can perform your annual cleaning. This cleaning takes care of creosote, the natural byproduct that accumulates on the inner walls of your chimney. While it is natural, the more it collects, the higher the risk it provides to start a house fire. 

Don’t Forget To Check Your Surroundings

Another common cause of chimney fires is decorations or household items being too close to the fire. This may be decorations, blankets, or even firewood. Be cautious of maintaining a clearance around your fireplace to lessen the risk of fires. Additionally, some decorations are made of very flammable ingredients, so make sure to double check this before putting them on the hearth or mantle. 

Make Sure to Keep an Eye on the Fire

While it may seem like common sense, there are times that homeowners may simply leave a roaring fire unattended. Unlike pellet or wood stoves, there aren’t built-in safety settings to shut off traditional fireplaces. Because of this, it’s not encouraged to leave your fire on as you go to bed or leave the house, even if it is dwindling.

Check Exterior Branches

A lesser-known risk is exterior factors near your chimney exit. Properly functioning chimney caps and crowns can protect from sparks escaping, but if either of those are broken or missing this protection can be lacking. If branches hang over your home close to your chimney, there is a risk that fires can start and ignite your home. Make sure to keep chimney caps and crowns in working condition and branches cleared from your chimney.

Need Chimney Updates? Call Twin City Fireplace

If you’re in the Minneapolis area, Twin City Fireplace, Masonry, and Chimney are the end-to-end experts to call. We have locations in Edina and Woodbury, MN with highly trained and experienced staff to help with anything to do with chimneys or fireplaces. If you’re in need of repairs related to pyrolysis or not, our team can also help with that. 

Twin City specializes in the installation and repair of gas and wood-burning fireplaces for both indoor and outdoor spaces. We’re also licensed general contractors, gas fitters, and skilled masons to give you a seamless experience from the first call to the finished installation. Contact us today!