How to Avoid Chimney Fires

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 32,200 home heating fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated 190 deaths, 625 injuries and $442 million in property loss.  Home heating fires account for 500 deaths per year.

There are over 25,000 chimney fires in the U.S. annually, and three out of 10 house fires (44,000) are related to heating appliances. For this reason alone, it is important to keep chimneys maintained, but performance problems can also arise that are not related to hostile fires.

Note: A "Friendly Fire" is one that is intended such as a fire in the fireplace or a candle burning. It becomes a "Hostile Fire" when it reaches beyond its intended location.

ALL OF THESE FIRES ARE PREVENTABLE

It is important to remember that ALL wood creates creosote, even hardwoods. The creosote must be removed by brushing with a special wire chimney brush for tile flue liners, or a poly brush for stainless steel flue liners or metal chimney pipe. The wrong type of brush can damage metal liners.

Chimneys should be swept when there is 1/8" or more of creosote on the flue walls. This is difficult to see, so another rule of thumb is to have the chimney swept annually for open fireplaces or at least twice seasonally for inserts or freestanding stoves.

How to prevent chimney fires

• Have the chimney swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep, who will also inspect the chimney to be sure it is in good working order.
• Use only dry wood (check with a moisture meter) that has been seasoned for a minimum of 6 months.
• Never burn dry Christmas trees, wrapping paper, or newspaper as these items often cause fires.
• The use of a "Chimney sweeping log" may result in a chimney fire since it detaches creosote from the flue walls and brings it closer to the fireplace, but does not remove the creosote.
• Use inserts and freestanding wood-burning stoves according to the manufacturer's instructions by leaving the door closed during burning, and regulating air intake so it does not overfire the stove. Overheating can ignite creosote in the pipe or flue without direct flame.

Most chimney fires are not detected by the homeowner

Chimney fire damage is usually detected by a chimney sweep during sweeping and inspection. Telltale signs are broken flue liners, blown out mortar joints, buckled metal liners or pipe, white hot spots, and burnt honeycomb creosote. There may also be expansion breaks in masonry. With this in mind, we estimate that there are 10 times the official reported totals!

While there are chimney fire signs to watch out for such as a loud wooshing or freight train sound and flames shooting out the top of the chimney, chimney fires are usually of short duration and not noticed while people are out of the room.

Damaged chimney flue liners can allow Carbon Monoxide, creosote, and smoke to escape into the area outside the liner and possibly into the house, making a damaged chimney a potential hazard. This is why it is so important to have regular inspections completed.

For more information visit www.chimkc.com

--------------------------------------------------------------

Marge Padgit is a veteran chimney contractor, writer, and podcast host. Contact her at margepadgitt@gmail.com

How to Avoid a Chimney Fire

 

By Marge Padgitt

Chimney fires occur during cold weather months when people use their fireplace or wood-burning stove.  A chimney fire occurs when accumulated creosote in a flue or smoke chamber ignites from a spark.

All wood creates creosote - even dry hardwoods- so it is imperative that flues serving fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, or fireplace inserts are swept regularly to remove this flammable substance. The NFPA recommends sweeping once per year for fireplaces, and at least twice during the season for heating appliances (wood stoves or inserts). A house fire can occur if the fire in the chimney escapes the flue liner or if burning embers fly out of the top of the chimney onto the roof. (Asphalt roofs can catch fire as well as wood shingle roofs). 

Most chimney fires are of short duration and go unnoticed by the homeowner - with damage usually found later during an inspection by a chimney sweep. 

 Signs of a chimney fire:

•  Loud whooshing or roaring or freight train like sound
•  Flames shooting out the top of the chimney
•  Red glowing stove pipe
•  Backup of smoke into the house
• Sudden poor draft

It is a good idea to keep a chimney fire extinguisher near your fireplace or wood stove and use it if you notice a chimney fire, then get out of the house and call the fire department immediately. Fire can spread to nearby combustibles and cause a house fire. Be sure to keep an eye out for smoke smell or flames even after the fire department is gone because interior wood framing could smolder for hours afterwards and ignite again if it gets enough oxygen. 

After the fire: Call your local professional chimney sweep to have a thorough inspection and any needed repairs completed before using the appliance again. Most chimneys are severely damaged on the interior during a chimney fire and should not be used until inspected by a qualified professional. Any breaks or blown out sections in flue tiles or warped or buckled seams in steel liners or chimneys can be a fire and Carbon Monoxide hazard.

For more information about Carbon Monoxide, visit COHeadquarters.com.

 ___________________________

The Chimney Lady, Marge Padgitt, is a veteran chimney professional, trainer, and author. She is the co-owner of HearthMasters chimney and fireplace service in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at office@chimkc.com.

Keep wood stoves in good working order for the winter season

Wood-burning insert by Regency
(available at www.chimkc.com)

Wood stoves and inserts can be a great way to heat a home during winter months but problems can develop if they are not properly maintained on a regular basis. Unlike gas, electric, or oil heating appliances, wood stoves need attention more often than once per year in order to function properly.

Wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts are designed to keep most of the heat inside the home, rather than allowing heat to escape up the flue as a regular open fireplace does. However, not all wood-burning appliances are the same. Older models are much less efficient and produce more emissions that pollute the environment. The basic difference between newer and older models is the baffle system and secondary burn chamber, which in new models burn more of the flammable gasses. According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association, pre-EPA approved stoves should be changed out to newer EPA approved and U.L. listed stoves for better efficiency and cleaner burning, which is better for the environment.

Woodstove owners should first learn how to properly operate the appliance by reading the manual or asking their chimney sweep. By loading the proper amount of cordwood and adjusting the combustion air inlet to achieve a hot-burning fire, the stove will operate according to expectations. Hot fires are more efficient. Next, the chimney flue and pipe connector need to be clear of debris which may include bird nests, leaves, twigs, or creosote in order for the stove to draft properly. The stove connector and flue should be cleaned out at least twice during the burning season because accumulated creosote on the flue walls reduces draft.

Flue liner with burnt creosote that has
been on fire

Expanded or burnt creosote which occurs during a chimney fire can completely block off a flue and cause smoke to back up into the home. If this occurs suddenly the stove operator should shut down the air intake and get out of the house, then call the fire department even if flames are not visible on the exterior chimney.  Regular maintenance by a professional chimney sweep will reduce the risk of a chimney fire. According to the Midwest Chimney Safety Council, all types of wood create creosote, so there is no way to avoid it, however, creosote reduction is possible by the use of a chemical such as Ant-Creo-Soot before each burn cycle, and proper operation of the stove.

For more information visit www.chimkc.com.

___________________________________

Marge Padgitt is a chimney industry veteran and writer living in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at hearthmastersboss@gmail.com or through www.chimkc.com. 

What you Should Know about Chimney Fires

The following information is from studies conducted and researched by the Midwest Chimney Safety Council, HearthMasters, Inc. ,and the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Much of this information is from the book Causes, Effects and Evaluation by the CSIA. A copy of the book may be obtained by calling the CSIA at 317-837-5362. 

These questions often come up when evaluating chimney damages: What is 
chimney fire damage?  And what other possible causes might there be for damages to a flue liner, chimney, smoke chamber, and chimney cover?  The MCSC has put together these guidelines in order to help insurance adjusters, engineers, and chimney inspectors determine the causes for chimney damages. This is very brief outline, and we suggest that a copy of the book named above be obtained if further explanation is needed.

​- Most chimney fires occur without the homeowner’s knowledge—in fact, only very few fires are witnessed or reported to the fire department.

​- When a sudden temperature differential of 500 degrees occurs in a chimney, the clay tile flue liners will crack due to expansion. This differential cannot be obtained by the normal operation of a fireplace or wood stove, and has not been able to be duplicated in field study.  Studies show that a chimney fire is the most likely candidate for the cause of tile liners to break. 

Longitudinal break in tile flue liner
Photo: HearthMasters, Inc.
- Tile liners will break longitudinally first, due to the nature of their construction, then horizontal and diagonal cracks will occur in more severe fires.

- A NON-creosote chimney fire can occur when flue gasses accumulate in the flue and will ignite when      temperatures reach 1000 degrees. Note: Creosote ignites at 1000 degrees.

- Burnt, ash creosote may found in the flue and smoke chamber after a chimney fire.  This is lightweight, expanded creosote that can only be created by a chimney fire. 

- Isolated scorched areas of the flue may be present (although not always) and are positive indications of a chimney fire, since accumulating creosote does not avoid particular areas.

- Tar glaze may have melted away from the fire. Some creosote may melt and flow away from the combustion zone and may be found in the smoke chamber or damper area, or around the thimble entrance of a stove pipe, or around a chimney cover.

- Fires of long duration may cause thermal expansion of the masonry such as the 
Longitudinal break in 2' section of 
clay tile flue liner after a chimney fire.
Note that the break goes all the way 
through to the back side. 
cement crown, facial wall, and exterior chimney, which will result in clean breaks in the masonry.

- Holes and mortar bond breaks may be found in the smoke chamber area and flue after a chimney fire due to expansion.

- The chimney cover may be warped, discolored, or damaged. 


Myths regarding tile flue liner damages 

- Thermal fatigue (p 4-11) (years of expansion and contraction) cracking: no evidence is found to support this idea.

- Lightning: (p 4-9) lightning can damage flue liners, but there is usually other damage to the chimney such as blown out bricks at the top of the stack.

- Moisture– (page 4-12) Rain entering the chimney from the top of the flue and from condensing flue gasses: Washed-out mortar joints and spalling (flaking) flue liners are caused by moisture. No evidence has been found to support the suggestion that cracked tiles are the result of moisture damages, however, if the chimney was not constructed properly with air space between the flue and surrounding masonry, and water leaked into the chimney between the flue and masonry and froze, it is not inconceivable that the expansion might cause a liner to crack horizontally.

- Settlement: (4.3.3) “Settlement is an overly-used diagnosis of distress in masonry structures of all types.” However, it does occur.  Look for inadequate foundation or footing and uneven settling.  Also look for shifted or offset flue tiles, which shows movement. 

________________________________________________

Marge Padgitt is the owner of HearthMasters, Inc. chimney restoration company in Independence, Missouri. She is the editor of Wood-Fired Magazine and author of several industry books. Contact Marge at hearthmastersboss@gmail.com.

Chimney Safety Warning During Arctic Blast

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council warns homeowners to safely operate wood and gas heating appliances during periods of bitter cold in order to avoid fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

December 29, 2017
Kansas City, Missouri

The National Fire Protection Association statistics indicate that there are 245,000 house fires annually caused by heating equipment such as wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. The Midwest Chimney Safety Council believes that this number is only a fraction of the actual statistics based on findings by chimney sweeps who service chimneys.

The NFPA states that there are 72,000 deaths caused by Carbon Monoxide exposure annually.  

During periods of very cold weather more accidental fires and CO poisoning occur. The Midwest Chimney Safety Council recommends that homeowners take measures to assure the safety of their family by following these recommended guidelines:

·      

C.Scott Dorret - Fotolia.com

Do not use an open fireplace for heating purposes. Fireplaces are decorative appliances to be used for ambience only. Over use of an open fireplace can cause hidden combustibles in the walls or framing around the fireplace to ignite and cause a house fire. This applies to manufactured fireplaces and masonry fireplaces.

•      Do not leave a wood-burning stove or fireplace unattended.
•      Do not burn hedge, dry pine, or a Christmas tree in a fireplace or stove. These woods burn very hot and fast, and can cause a chimney fire.
•      Do not burn treated wood or colored paper in a fireplace or stove. These items create toxic fumes which can cause illness or death.
•      Don’t burn anything other than dry cordwood or pallet wood in a fireplace or stove.
•      Have a fireplace inspected and swept annually by a professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. Sweeping removes flammable creosote from the smoke chamber and flue liner. Have a wood-burning stove or insert swept twice per year.
•      Keep the accumulation of flammable creosote down by using a product like Anti-Creosote Spray each time a fire is burned.
•      Place ashes in an ash bucket and take outside to cool off with the lid on the bucket on a non-combustible surface before disposing of them or putting them in the garden. Ashes and embers can smolder for up to two weeks.
•      Have furnace, boiler, or water heater flues inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep to assure that the flue is not clogged by nests or debris, is sized correctly, and does not have cracks or voids which can cause Carbon Monoxide backup into the home. Even low levels of CO not detectable by a CO detector can cause illness and permanent brain damage.
•      Do not ignore a CO detector alarm- CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless so there is no way a human can detect CO.
•      Be sure to install new batteries and assure proper operation of smoke detectors. Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the house, including in the attic near the chimney.
•      In case of a chimney fire or CO alarm, get out of the house and call the fire department immediately.

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council is a 13-state regional association which provides educational classes and workshops to chimney and hearth industry professionals and the public.  

Contact Marge Padgitt at mcsc@mcsc-net.org or 816-461-3665 or contact one of our members listed on the website for more information. 

Get Your Chimney Checked for National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, was created in order to reduce fires. The Midwest Chimney Safety Council promotes fire prevention by having chimneys swept to remove flammable creosote and inspected to check chimneys for fire hazards.

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council advises homeowners and building owners to have chimneys inspected by a professional chimney sweep on a regular basis- at least once per year as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. Professional chimney sweeps have the proper equipment to view the interior of chimneys in order to see potential hazards such as missing mortar joints, broken flue tiles, or large gaps which can allow toxic flue gasses and heat to escape into the home.




Professional chimney sweeps are trained to identify problems that the layman may miss.

Chimney sweeps also remove flammable creosote, debris, nests, leaves, and twigs from flues serving furnaces, water heaters, boilers, fireplaces, and gas and wood-burning heating appliances.

The history of chimney sweeps began before Roman times when people started to build fireplaces inside their homes for heating and cooking. Prior to the invention of the chimney the soot and smoke just vented out open windows, but chimneys solved that problem.

Today professional chimney sweeps get their training and Certification at the Chimney Safety Institute of America, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and get continuing education classes at the CSIA, Midwest Chimney Safety Council, and other related organizations. They use state-of-the art chimney camera equipment for inspections.

Some jurisdictions require chimney sweeps to be CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps, or licensed in another manner.

A list of qualified professional chimney sweeps is posted at the Midwest Chimney Safety Council website at www.mcsc-net.org.

Contact: Marge Padgitt, President of the MCSC at 816-461-3665 or margepadgitt@comcast.net for more information.

National Chimney Safety Week brings needed awareness to the public

For National Chimney Safety Week September 9 to 18, 2015 the Midwest Chimney Safety Council reminds homeowners and restaurant owners to be diligent about maintaining their chimneys serving fireplaces, furnaces, boilers, wood stoves, and restaurant ovens.

fotolia.com

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission released the latest statistics for residential structural fires which indicates that 21,200 hostile fires were attributed to fireplaces, chimneys or chimney systems in 2012, with an average of 22,700 occurring annually from 2010 to 2012.  According to the National Fire Protection Association in 2011 heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,600 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 400 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $893 million in direct property damage. 

While these numbers continue to decline due to public-awareness efforts by the Midwest Chimney Safety Council, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, chimney sweep companies and firefighters, the message is still not getting to everyone. 

Mr. Charles Stanley of Lee's Summit, Missouri experienced a chimney fire in early 2015. "I didn't know that a chimney flue needed to be swept at all, much less annually. I burned wood in the fireplace for eleven years without having it swept out, but after an experience like this I won't forget to have the chimney cleaned," said Stanley. The fire was contained to the chimney structure, which sustained over $20,000 in damages. A local chimney company removed the damaged flue liner and installed a replacement liner, then repaired damaged bricks on the interior and exterior chimney. Charles said that had he known that chimneys needed regular service he could have avoided the chimney fire. 

From the NFPA

The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection of flues of all types that serve gas or wood-burning appliances, and sweeping as necessary to remove flammable creosote. Creosote should be removed when ¼” has accumulated on the flue walls. Depending on the amount of wood burned restaurant ovens usually need monthly or bi-monthly sweeping, open fireplaces typically need annual sweeping, and wood stove flues and chimneys may need sweeping two or three times during the burning season.

Creosote accumulates when any type of wood is burned including hardwoods. Gas appliances don’t produce creosote, however, the flue needs to be in good condition or it could be a carbon monoxide hazard. Common issues with gas flues are gaps or cracks in flue liners, clogs in liners, and missing flue liners. Correct flue sizing is critical to proper operation. This is something a professional chimney sweep can check when doing an inspection.

The MCSC recommends that a professional chimney sweep who is certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America do the inspection and sweeping. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are trained in sweeping methods, inspections, codes, and clearances. The proper equipment is needed to do a thorough inspection and remove creosote, which involves a chimney camera system and other tools of the trade.

There are now over 1,500 CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps across the United States with more added annually. To find a professional chimney sweep visit the Midwest Chimney Safety Council website at www.mcsc-net.org or the Chimney Safety Institute of America website at www.csia.org.

_________________

Marge Padgitt is the president of the Midwest Chimney Safety Council and a 30+ year industry veteran. She is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and NFI Woodburning Specialist. Contact Marge at margepadgitt (at) comcast.net. 

  

Chimney and Dryer Vent Fire Prevention Classes

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council offers classes to organizations hosting events for at least 40 people. MCSC Educational Director Marge Padgitt is available to speak to homeowner and professional groups about chimney and dryer vent fire prevention, chimney maintenance and fireplace operation, wood purchase and storage, historic chimney restoration, house pressure issues, and methods used to reline and repair chimneys.

There are over 15,000 dryer vent fires and over 14,000 chimney fires each year caused by improper or inadequate maintenance. Lint and creosote are flammable and must be removed in order to avoid fire. The Midwest Chimney Safety Council website has free homeowner tips on chimney, fireplace, and wood-burning stove operation at www.mcsc-net.org.

Marge Padgitt is a 30-year industry veteran, CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep, and National Fireplace Institute Wood-burning Specialist. Padgitt is the author of 12 books including The Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book, and Wood -Fired Heating and Cooking. She is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. in Independence, Missouri, and host of Wood-Fired Radio on Global Radio Alliance Network.

Classes are free to small homeowner groups in the greater Kansas City area. Fees are charged for larger groups or associations outside the area. Contact Marge Padgitt at 816-461-3665 or margepadgitt@comcast.net for more information.