After a chimney fire: what happens next

If a fire is happening now

Call 911. Get everyone out of the house. Do not wait to see whether it goes out on its own.

Signs a fire may have happened

CSIA notes that most chimney fires go unnoticed, especially slow-burning ones. Signs it lists include:

• Puffy or honeycombed creosote
• Warped damper metal or a warped cap
• Cracked flue tiles
• Discolored or damaged rain cap
• Smoke escaping through cracks in the mortar joints

What to do next

1. Do not light another fire in that fireplace.
2. Arrange an inspection that includes the interior of the flue.
3. Follow the findings. Damage may be limited to deposits, or it may include cracked liner sections that need repair or relining.

Fire damage can be hidden in the structure around a chimney too. That is one reason a deeper level of inspection is used. See inspection levels.

Preventing a repeat

Burn dry, seasoned wood, give the fire enough air, and keep up with inspection. See What is creosote?.

Sources

• CSIA, preventing chimney fires
• CSIA, what you need to know after a chimney fire
• CSIA, standard operating procedure for a Level 2 inspection of a masonry fireplace

What to do, in order

• Make sure the fire is fully out and the fire department has cleared the property.
• Do not use the fireplace or stove until it is inspected.
• Have a qualified inspector examine the flue and surrounding structure.
• Tell your insurer as they may need documentation.
• Expect an inspection level suited to a post-event check.

Common misconceptions

"If the fire went out by itself it was minor." Some chimney fires are quiet and still cause damage.

"A sweep is enough afterwards." The flue needs a proper inspection first.