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Chimney Safety 

Chimney fires can be all too common during the winter months. These fires can be very damaging to a home or building and often without anyone being aware. These fires can often result from improper care and maintenance.

Chimney Safety Tips
  • Have chimney inspected annually before each use.
  • Check stovepipes and connections to ensure screws are tight fitting at every joint.
  • Keep all vents free of debris, ice, and snow.
  • Protect walls and floors from heat and sparks by using proper fitting screens around fireplaces.
  • Keep all combustibles away from the fireplaces.
  • Allow ashes from fireplaces to cool before emptying them into medal container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep the container outside.
Signs that a fire might have occurred in your chimney 
  • “Puffy” creosote, with rainbow-coloured streaks that has expanded beyond creosote’s normal form.
  • Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber, connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney.
  • Cracked or collapsed flue, tiles with large chunks missing.
  • Discoloured and distorted rain cap.
  • Creosote flakes and pieces were found on the roof or ground.
  • Roofing material damaged from hot creosote.
  • Crack in exterior masonry.
  • Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tole liners. 

If you think a chimney fire has occurred, call a WETT Certified Chimney Sweep for a professional evaluation.