Public Safety Message and Information

11/09/2008

CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY or FLUE

Now is the time to clean and repair them.

A chimney or flue fire occurs when the build-up of creosote gets hot enough to burn.  The fire can spread from the chimney or flue through cracks, loose mortar, small separations in flue pipe, and/or loose or missing flue caps or screens and get into the wall partitions or onto the roof.

SIGNS:

                     Loud roaring, popping noises.

                    Sparks and flames shooting from the chimney/flue top.

                    Stove and/or stove pipe vibrating.

WHAT TO DO:

                     Don't panic.

                    Call 9-1-1 before trying to put out the fire.

                    Close damper(s).  If the stove is airtight, keep the door closed to cut off the air supply to the firebox.

                    If it's not airtight, and if the fire in the firebox is small, one might attempt to use a chemical fire extinguisher to slow the fire.

                    NEVER use water - the stove could crack if too hot.

                    Check the roof for sparks and fire spread.

NOTE:  Any time there is a chimney or flue fire call 9-1-1.  Even if you feel you have the problem under control.   There could be fire that has extended into your walls, attic or roof.

Other Public Safety Messages and Information for the Winter months:

Safety - Winter Driving

Safety - Chimneys and Flues

Safety - Carbon Monoxide

Safety - Winter Grilling

Safety - Influenza

Safety - Winter Storms