Dirty Fireplace Hazards

Fire Hazards

• According to the "Fort Campbell Courier," approximately 36 percent of all home fires are the result of a heating source, such as a chimney. When you burn logs in your fireplace, those logs release ash that builds up on the sides of the chimney. The main component of the ash is creosote, which is a flammable material. Any ember or hot ash that touches the buildup may ignite a spark that causes a fire. Depending on the severity of the fire, it may even melt the chimney and spread to other parts of the home before you have time to act.

Carbon Monoxide

• Chimneys become blocked when debris and large objects fall inside. Trees that overhang the roof might release broken branches and leaves into the chimney. Unless you inspect the chimney every time you use it, you may not even realize that you have a blockage problem. The block stops gases and fumes produced by the chimney from escaping through the top, and instead release those fumes into your house. It is possible for carbon monoxide fumes to cause sickness and even death.

Future Buildup

• When you do not maintain and clean your chimney, you risk future buildup of creosote. Every time you burn more wood in the fireplace, the released creosote sticks to the sides of the chimney and flue. The more buildup that you have, the greater your chances are of a fire occurring. A buildup that's large enough can even increase the size and severity of the fire.

Prevention

• Prior to using your chimney for the first time during the season, inspect the inside. Shine a flashlight up into the chimney, looking for any signs of black ash or soot. Check the flue liner and the metal areas of the chimney. The metal areas should appear bright and shiny and not have any black spots marring the silver finish. If you see any signs of debris or other problems, then contact a professional for a thorough chimney cleaning. The "Fort Campbell Courier" recommends cleaning the chimney once for every two cords of wood you burn.