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Chimney Maintenance Vital
Proper maintenance of a chimney reduces the buildup of creosote, a black tarry substance that can block passageways or ignite. Begin with carefully selecting the king of wood you will burn. The harder the wood, the smaller the creosote release into the chimney. Then curing that wood becomes important. Wood that is allowed to cure for three to six months after cutting and splitting will yield more heat and less creosote.

Maintaining proper flue temperatures is also a part of good chimney maintenance. Creosote condenses on to cold chimneys while properly heated chimneys will trap much less. So burn an open fire until good flue temperatures are achieved, then make sure the fire burns hot enough to maintain those temperatures.

Clean Chimney at Least Once a Year
Any chimney should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. Chimneys that get a lot of use will require more frequent cleaning. Remember, soot and creosote buildup in the chimney is what flue fires are made of. Keep it clean, and you have protected yourself from this danger.

Carefully Inspect the Flue
As part of the chimney-cleaning process and following any chimney fire, the flue should be carefully inspected inside and out. Specialized equipment is now available which permits detailed internal inspection of the entire flue. The yellow pages list a number of companies (under “Chimney Cleaning”) that are equipped to provide this inspection.

Other fireplace safety tips include:

• Keep flammable and combustible articles a safe distance from the open fire.
   
• Never burn paper or rags. If you use artificial logs, burn only one at a time.
   
• Do not burn charcoal in your fireplace at any time.
   
• Always use a fireplace screen in front of your fireplace.
   
• Do not leave your house or go to bed with the fireplace still burning.
   
• Put ashes in a metal container when you clean your fireplace.
   
• Make certain your smoke detectors are working.
   
• Make absolutely certain that children are always supervised when the fireplace is lit.

If you follow the above suggestions, you should have a safe and cozy time in front of your fireplace all during the cold weather season.

If have any questions, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (847) 818-5253.