- Have chimney inspected annually before each use.
- Check stovepipes and connections to ensure screws are tight fitting at every joint.
- Keep all vents free of debris, ice, and snow.
- Protect walls and floors from heat and sparks by using proper fitting screens around fireplaces.
- Keep all combustibles away from the fireplaces.
- Allow ashes from fireplaces to cool before emptying them into medal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.
Chimney Safety
Chimney Safety
Chimney fires can be all too common during the winter months. These fires can be very damaging to a home or building and often without anyone being aware. These fires can often result from improper care and maintenance.
Signs that a fire might have occurred in your chimney
- “Puffy” creosote, with rainbow-coloured streaks that has expanded beyond creosote’s normal form.
- Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber, connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney.
- Cracked or collapsed flue, tiles with large chunks missing.
- Discoloured and distorted rain cap.
- Creosote flakes and pieces were found on the roof or ground.
- Roofing material damaged from hot creosote.
- Crack in exterior masonry.
- Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tole liners.
If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a WETT Certified Chimney Sweep for a professional evaluation.
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