As temperatures drop in Berks County, many Reading homeowners light the first fire of the season. A fireplace can bring warmth and comfort to a cold night, but a fireplace or chimney that has not been checked can also be a fire risk. A little preparation before winter helps keep your home and family safer.
Why Chimney Fires Happen
Burning wood leaves behind creosote, a sticky, flammable residue that builds up inside the chimney flue over time. When enough creosote collects, a hot fire can ignite it, resulting in a chimney fire. Blocked flues, cracked liners, and nearby combustible materials add to the risk. Chimney fires can also spread to the walls, attic, and roof.
Get the Chimney Inspected Before the Season
National fire safety standards recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, and vents be inspected at least once a year. A qualified chimney professional can check for creosote buildup, cracks or deterioration in the liner, blockages such as nests or debris, and a damaged chimney cap, and can sweep the flue if needed. Doing this before the first fire of the season is easier than doing it after a problem.
Safe Fireplace Habits
- Burn seasoned, dry hardwood. Wet or green wood produces more smoke and creosote. Do not burn trash, cardboard, or treated or painted wood.
- Use a sturdy screen. A fireplace screen helps keep sparks and embers inside the hearth.
- Keep combustibles back. Keep furniture, rugs, curtains, and decorations at least three feet from the fireplace.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure the fire is fully out before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Handle ashes with care. Ashes can hold hot embers for days. Place them in a metal container with a lid, and keep it outside and away from the house and anything flammable.
- Open the damper before lighting. A closed damper can fill the home with smoke and carbon monoxide.
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Make sure working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and near sleeping areas. Test them each month, and replace batteries as needed. Alarms give your household the early warning that can make the difference.
Signs of a Chimney Fire
A chimney fire can be loud and obvious, with a crackling or popping sound, dense smoke, or an intense burning smell. Other times, it burns slowly and goes unnoticed until damage is found during an inspection. If you suspect a chimney fire, get everyone out of the house and call 911 from outside. Do not try to fight it yourself.
After a Fire: Smoke and Soot Cleanup
Even a small fireplace or chimney fire can leave smoke and soot throughout a home. Smoke and soot are acidic and can discolor walls and surfaces within minutes and tarnish metal over time. Avoid touching or cleaning surfaces yourself, since oils from skin can set soot into porous materials, and wait until firefighters confirm it is safe to re-enter.
ServiceMaster Assured Cleaning and Restoration provides fire and smoke damage restoration for homes in Reading and the surrounding communities, including soot cleanup, odor removal, and reconstruction. As a locally owned team with over 30 years of experience serving Southeastern Pennsylvania, we are available 24/7 and can help you navigate the insurance process.
Dealing with fire or smoke damage in Reading? Contact ServiceMaster Assured Cleaning and Restoration any time, day or night, for help.