What are the causes of chimney fires? Chimney fires happen a lot more often than you would ever think. Have you ever seen what chimney fires are capable of? A chimney fire is very serious and damaging. It can burn down a home down completely if it is not put out in time. Chimneys have to be maintained by cleaned them inside and on the inside and outside they must be checked for cracks in the bricks of the chimney. Animals like birds or squirrels can build nests inside a chimney that can cause fires. Chimney fires can happen suddenly when there is a nest present or from excessive creosote buildup.

Sometimes a chimney fire will make a loud noise as it happens and fire can come out of the top of it. If there are any cracks anywhere on the inside of the chimney that the flames can get into, it can set the home itself on fire too. Did you know that the flames that can come out of the top can be several feet high? This is usually because of the creosote build up. Creosote is the sticky, sooty substance that clings to the interior wall of the chimney and the flue after many fires have been burned in the fireplace. Chimneys need to be cleaned each year after the burning season is over. This way they will not smell so bad and they will be ready to use next year.

To help prevent creosote build up, you can use creosote wood blocks or logs in the fireplace. These special logs or blocks have additives that help to dry the creosote build up so it is no longer as flammable. These special logs can be purchased at most department stores that carry home supplies or at your local hardware store.

Do not think that a chimney fire will not happen in your home. They can occur when you least expect it if your chimney interior is dirty. If there are cracks or the bricks are falling apart somewhere on the chimney, get it fixed before you use it. Have a professional look at it and make the repairs so your fireplace is safe to use.

In the summer you want to protect your fireplace and your chimneys by putting a cap over it so things will not get in it. But remember, before you start a fire, take it off. Even with the cap, make sure the chimney flue is closed when a fireplace is not being used. When you start to use it in the winter, make sure that you reopen the flue because if you do not the smoke will come back in the house.

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