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Fire Place and Chimney Safety ... Stay Warm AND SAFE

Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires

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RISKS

Failing to Maintain and Use Heating Equipment Properly Can Have Many Consequences

  • Damage to Chimney

  • Carbon Monoxide entering your home

  • Damage to your home caused by fire

  • Complete loss of home

  • Loss of life

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SIGNS OF A CHIMNEY FIRE

  • Loud rumble (Like a freight train)

  • Crackling chimney pipes

  • Smoke in home

  • Dark smoke and embers coming  from chimney

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PREVENTION

There are many ways to reduce your risk of a chimney or heating system related fire

  • Have chimney and heating system inspected annually by a qualified professional

  • Don't burn wet or low quality wood

  • Follow manufacturer's recommendations for clearances for all heating appliances

  • Trim branches close to chimneys

  • Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid and store away from home

  • Keep a fire extinguisher in a visible location close to exits

  • Clean chimney monthly

  • Clean chimney more often if burning wet or low quality wood

  • Ensure proper air flow for heating appliances

  • Hotter fires produce less creosote

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OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Working smoke alarms must be installed on every floor and outside sleeping areas

  • Homes with fuel burning appliances, and attached garages must have working carbon monoxide alarms installed on every floor and outside sleeping areas

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly

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Power Outages

  • Use battery powered flashlights instead of candles for lighting

  • If candles must be used ensure candles are in sturdy candle holders that will not tip over and are covered with a glass shade

  • Never leave lit candles unattended

  • Run generators a minimum of 20 feet from the home and ensure that the exhaust is pointed away from windows and doors

  • Shut off generators and let cool before refueling

  • Run portable heaters away from combustible materials and according to manufacturers recommendations

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Barbeques

  • Never use a barbeque indoors

  • Store propane cylinders outside in a well ventilated area

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A CHIMNEY FIRE

  • Get everyone out of the home and somewhere safe

  • Call 911

  • Close dampers and doors

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CAUSE

  • Creosote buildup

  • Creosote is a black or brown residue that can be crusty and flaky, tar-like, or shiny and hardened.  All forms of creosote are highly combustible.  If it builds up in sufficient quantities and the chimney temperature is high enough the result could be a chimney fire

  • Combustible materials too close to heating equipment

  • Damages or improper chimney/heating equipment

  • Improper disposal of ashes

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