Chimney Fire Safety Tips

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO AVOID CHIMNEY FIRES:

1. Burn well seasoned hardwoods.
2. Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.
3. Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire.
4. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A CHIMNEY FIRE:

1. Get everyone out of the house, including yourself.
2. Call the Fire Department

If you can do so WITHOUT RISK TO YOURSELF, these additional steps may help save your home:

1. Put a chimney fire extinguisher into the fireplace or wood stove.
2. Close the glass doors on the fireplace.
3. Close the air inlets on the wood stove.
4. Use a garden hose to spray down the roof (not the chimney) so the fire will not spread to the rest of the structure.

Once it’s over have your chimney inspected for damages.