There is no doubt that chimney fires can have some devastating consequences. In the worst-case scenario, a chimney fire can burn down the entire house. In case you feel like this is a rare event, you need to take it into account that it has already happened to a big number of people. So, unless you get your chimneys cleaned properly through some chimney cleaning services, it could be you next. This is because most of the chimney fires are due to carelessness and no maintenance.

In this regard, there are some simple steps that you can employ in order to ensure good health of your chimneys. Consequently, you will be able to minimize the risk of a chimney fire from starting. It is also important to note that chimney fires are very difficult to stop. So, do not have the misconception that you will be able to get control over the fire.

Simple tips to prevent chimney fires

In this article, we discuss a number of ways in which you can ensure good health of your chimneys. This will actually help you a lot in keeping chimney fires at bay. These include:

Get your fireplace and chimneys inspected every 6 months

Every 6 months, before you start the chimney in the cold season, get chimney inspection and proper cleaning. In this regard, you will have to reach out to a professional chimney cleaning company. Since, this is something that you cannot do by yourself.

People at a chimney cleaning service carry all the right tools to get your chimney cleaned, and to remove the creosote layers that have built up. Since creosote is considered to be the major culprit in all chimney fires, you need it all removed. This substance is highly flammable, and it builds up in the chimney over-time, causing a chimney fire when the build up is too high.

Keep the fire low

In order to produce as less creosote as possible, make sure that you are not lighting up huge fires in the chimney. So, keep the fire small and low in order to keep the creosote buildup at its minimum level. Furthermore, also use wood that is seasoned for more than 6 months in order to start fire safely. Otherwise, the chances of creosote buildup increase rapidly.

Avoid using combustible liquids

Make sure that you are not using any combustible liquids or materials in order to start fires. This is because flames with combustible materials can go out of hand rapidly. Furthermore, make sure that you are not burning other things such as papers, garbage, and wrapping paper in the fireplace. These substances may float upwards and cause a fire inside the chimney. As a result of this, the creosote in the fireplace may result in a fire. Hence, that is something that you need get rid of in your chimney at all costs.

Chimney liners

Chimney liners are extremely important for fire prevention in chimneys. These are used to improve the flow of air and to provide a better exhaust passage to combustion gases. Furthermore, they also protect the structure of the chimney from getting excessive heat. As a result of this, they give a lot of protection to chimneys.

Ending note

Now that you are aware of all the important tips of chimney protection, make sure that you are doing everything necessary to avoid chimney fires. With that, also get your chimney inspection after every 6 months. This should especially be done before starting fire in every winter season. Since it is of great importance, this is a step that you simply cannot miss. Otherwise, you’re at a great risk!