Mid-Valley Chimney Repair & Sweep LLC Is Here to Answer Montgomery’s Chimney Fire Questions

Most fireplace owners know that chimney fires are a thing, and that they can happen if you don’t use your appliance responsibly. But until one actually occurs, many don’t actually take the time to learn about just how damaging these events can be – or how they can avoid them.

Well, we’ve got the info you need to stay safer for the long haul. Read up on common chimney fire-related questions below, then reach out to our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified crew with any other inquiries you have.

Your Chimney Fire Questions Answered

Is creosote the biggest cause of chimney fires?

Yes. Creosote is highly flammable (being made from byproducts of your fires), and the more you have of it, the more likely it is to ignite and spread flames throughout your entire system. That said, other types of blockages caused by flammable things like nesting materials, built up leaves, piles of twigs, lawn clippings, and more can cause a chimney fire to form, too.

What damages does a chimney fire cause?

A chimney fire can trigger all kinds of decay and deterioration. The most common issues we see are:

• Damaged Liners: Your chimney liner is bound to suffer significant damage after a chimney fire has occurred. And once it’s compromised, you won’t be able to light fires without the risk of smoke, carbon monoxide, and flames entering your household.
• Warped Metal: The metal components of your system (like the damper, chimney cap, flashing, etc.) are sure to break down under the intense heat of a chimney fire. They’ll likely warp and become damaged, leaving them incapable of doing their job effectively.
• Cracked Masonry: When your bricks and mortar are exposed directly to flames, the end result won’t be good. The materials in your firebox are built to withstand those high temps, but the materials of your chimney are not. They’ll break down quickly, leaving the rest of your system more vulnerable in the process.

How hot do chimney fires get?

Chimney fires can ignite at around 451 degrees F, and they can burn up to 2000 degrees F which, as you can imagine, would take a great toll on your chimney system as a whole.

Will I know if I’ve had a chimney fire?

Not always. An event like this probably seems like it would be big, loud, and impossible to miss, but the majority of chimney fires actually occur slowly and quietly. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience one and have no idea! As you can imagine, this could potentially create some big hazards, and it is yet another great reason to make sure you’re investing in those annual inspections.

And if you’re aware that a chimney fire is currently occurring, don’t assume it’ll go out on its own! Call 911 and get you and your loved ones out of the home immediately.

Eager to avoid a chimney fire? If you live on Cornell Road, Hopewell Road, Fourwinds Drive, Gentlewind Drive, Woodfern Way, Pfeiffer Road, Southwind Drive, Forestglen Drive, Jolain Drive, Zig Zag Road, Shelldale Way, Thumbelina Lane, Adventure Lane, Cinderella Drive, Grandstone Lane, Weller Road, Arcturus Drive, Weil Road, Tanagerwoods Drive, Todd Drive, Ross Avenue, Cooper Road, or anywhere else in the area, call us in to perform you next chimney sweeping soon.