Proper maintenance is the best defense from chimney fires

On Jan. 7 at around 6:30 p.m., Houston firefighters responded to a report of fire at a home off of King Arthur Drive. On arrival, crews were told that the homeowner had heard cracking sounds in the chimney and saw embers at the top of the stovepipe. Crews found the chimney cap to be over 50% blocked with creosote that was burning from inside the pipe. Because the homeowner called early and took the safety of their home and family seriously, the house suffered no damage and the fire was extinguished without incident.

With the cold snap kicking in, more people are burning more wood. A cold cap cools the smoke quickly, which can increase creosote buildup. In this case, the creosote had built up to these dangerous levels in less than a month. The Houston Fire Department reminds everybody that safety should always be your first priority. Follow these helpful tips to keep you and your family safe when you use fireplaces and wood stoves.

“Have your fireplace and wood stoves inspected by a professional before you begin using them each year,” Houston Fire Department Chief Christian M. Hartley said. “Have the chimney cleaned to remove creosote, which can ignite and start a chimney fire. In addition, clean your chimney monthly with the right sized brush to decrease creosote buildup during the winter.”

Use a tempered glass or metal screen over the fireplace opening to keep sparks inside. Never use papers, trash or liquid fuel. Burn only wood in fireplaces and wood or wood pellets in wood stoves.

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from fireplaces and wood stoves. The

openings can get hot enough to burn skin, so keep children and pets far away from them. When you’re finished with your fire, put it out before you leave home or fall asleep. When you clean up, place the ashes inside a metal can with a lid. Store the can outside, away from the home, until the ashes are completely cold.

In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. Never burn trash in the fireplace. Not only is it cleaner for the environment, it also creates less buildup in the chimney.

Courtesy of the Houston Fire Department