Get a Jump on Chimney Safety During Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week 2025 is October 5-11 and is themed “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, the week is a time for everyone to remind themselves of the ways they can help keep fires from happening in their homes and on their properties. American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share a few helpful tips for using and caring for your chimney and fireplace in ways that can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a devastating chimney fire.
Use only firewood and matches or lighters
Chimneys and fireplaces are constructed to contain the heat and flames generated by burning wood. They are not made to withstand super-high temperatures from fires started by accelerants, such as:
- Lighter fluid
- Kerosene
- Charcoal starter
- Gasoline
Every one of these accelerants has been used to start fireplace fires, and in many cases, the results have been disastrous with chimney or house fires. Excess heat in a fireplace can cause premature deterioration of fire bricks and refractory panels. When damaged, these key components can allow flames to escape and set fire to adjacent materials of the home. Inside the chimney flue, too much heat can lead to chimney liner damage, and flames from accelerant flare-ups can ignite creosote (see below).
All fireplace fires should be started with a flame from a match or an approved fireplace lighter.
More ways to prevent chimney fires
Here are three of the best.
- Chimney sweeping
Have your chimney professionally cleaned (swept) once a year to remove creosote buildups. Creosote forms when smoke condenses in the flue and is responsible for most of the reported chimney fires in the greater Louisville, KY, region each year.
The National Fire Protection Association, the Chimney Safety Institute of America, and all other fire prevention organizations recommend yearly chimney sweeping if you use a fireplace.
- Dry firewood
Firewood should be dry. Damp logs contain a lot of moisture that will release a lot of smoke when burned. Because creosote is a smoke byproduct, you want to create as little smoke as possible when using the fireplace.
Dry wood burns efficiently and with minimal smoke. Additionally, you can generate less smoke by keeping your flue clean and open for strong, efficient drafting, and by making sure your fireplace damper is fully open when starting fires.
- Chimney inspections
Chimneys should be professionally inspected once a year. Part of the inspection should center on the chimney liner, which can be the cause of a chimney or house fire if damaged.
Breaks or gaps in the liner’s surface will allow flames and deadly combustion gases to escape. A video scan performed by a qualified chimney technician will tell you the condition of your chimney liner.
About NFPA
In 1895, several insurance workers in Boston got together to establish some standards for fire sprinklers. A year later, the National Fire Protection Association was founded.
The organization is a leading provider of standards and codes that cover all areas of fire prevention, from electrical systems to chimneys and fireplaces. Fire Prevention Week is one of the many ways NFPA reaches out to expand awareness of fire safety throughout America.
Is it time to clean your chimney?
If it’s been more than a year since your chimney was swept, American Chimney & Fireplace is standing by to help. We provide chimney sweeping, complete chimney inspections and a full range of chimney repair work to keep your chimney as safe as it can be.
Reach a local professional by phone or get in touch through our contact form.
