Immediate Actions
If a chimney fire occurs, your first move should be to call emergency services. Evacuate everyone from the home until it is deemed safe to return. Once the fire is out, do not use the fireplace again until it has been inspected.
Chimney fires can damage the structure of your chimney. While your home may appear unharmed, hidden damages could still pose a future risk without proper safety checks.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
After a chimney fire, hire a professional chimney sweep to assess any damage. They will check for cracks, blockages, or damages in the chimney that could have contributed to the fire or resulted from it.
They may use a camera to inspect the inside of the chimney flue to ensure it's clear and safe for future use. Any required repairs should be attended to before the fireplace is used again.
Prevent Future Fires
Prevention is key in avoiding future chimney fires. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your chimney and fireplace are essential to prevent creosote buildup, which is the main cause of chimney fires.
Burn only dry, seasoned wood and consider installing a chimney cap if you don’t already have one. A cap helps prevent debris and small animals from causing blockages.