How Do You Stop a Chimney Fire?

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are more than 20,000 residential chimney fires each year, often caused by poor maintenance. Often, creosote accumulation from burned wood causes these fires. A chimney fire can damage a chimney or a house significantly. Many fires start in or near the chimney causing structural damage or fatalities yearly. Such unfortunate incidents are preventable if you know what to do. However, regular inspection and maintenance by a certified chimney sweep in Sacramento can save you risks.

Here is how you can stop a chimney fire.

1. Safety Comes First

Seeing a chimney catching fire, get your family and pets out immediately. Even if you manage to control the fire yourself, call the fire department because chimney fires spread in no time. Experts know how to keep you safe from fatal injuries and prevent further damage to the house.

2. Close Openings

Seal off primary or secondary chimneys or fireplace openings. This denies the oxygen supply to the fire, eventually stopping it from burning. This could put out minor fires completely or merely put out larger fires. Additionally, you will reduce the possibility of any embers starting a fire after you extinguish the fire.

3. Remove Wood and Ashes

Use a fireplace shovel to move smoldering ash from the firebox to a metal bucket after extinguishing it. Move it outside, and wash off the debris to ensure it has burned out.

4. Fire Extinguisher

Use a chimney fire extinguishing product that has been specially manufactured. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, and toss the product into the fireplace. Fire suppressants release and rise to extinguish the chimney fire.

Signs of a Chimney Fire

Chimney fires can cause massive damage to property and life. It is essential to know the signs before it is too late.

• Tiles with sections missing, or cracked tiles• A rain cap that is discolored or deformed

• Heat-damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney• Flakes and fragments of creosote discovered on the roof or the ground

• Damaged roofing material• Unusually high temperatures by big fireplace fires

• Sparks produced by unsuitable materials burning• The chimney is emitting dark smoke.

• Popping and crackling noises in the chimney.

Safety Tips

• A great source of chimney fire extinguisher goods and general knowledge on fireplace and chimney safety is the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

• Never use water to douse a fire in the chimney or a flare-up in the grate. A steam blast produced by the motion could blow back into the room and cause severe harm.

• Always dial 911 if there is a chimney fire because it can spread quickly. A home fire evacuation plan should be in place, and the family should go through drills many times a year.

• Make sure the fire department can get into the loft space.

• Avoid adding salt to the fire since this can produce chlorine gas, which can harm the chimney and be hazardous if it enters the room.

Conclusion

Use your fireplace safely to prevent a chimney fire. However, acting swiftly and decisively can save your home. Just remember to prioritize your security before attempting to solve this issue. Ensure you know chimney fires. Most importantly, be quick to call a fire department for an early solution.