Every year you should schedule an appointment with a chimney sweeper to come in and inspect your chimney to take the necessary steps for fire prevention. They will clean out any buildup of creosote on the chimney's interior walls and remove any blockages that may be present. Cleaning a chimney should only be conducted by a professional as it can be extremely dangerous for homeowners who are not protected or who do not know the correct way to clean them.  

Cleaning out your fireplace is also important. This can be done by a professional or you if you are safely protected with the right equipment. Before cleaning your fireplace, make sure it has not been used in the past 48 hours, to eliminate the chance of encountering hot embers. Be sure to protect yourself with a mask, gloves, and safety glasses as well. To maximize safety, it is always a good idea to hire a professional.  

To clean the fireplace, you should first remove any leftover ash and dispose of it in a metal ash can that has a lid. To ensure fire prevention, remove it from your home and dispose of it far away from your home in a non-combustible area. Then, wash any fireplace grates outdoors with a hose and scrub brush. Lastly, sweep up and vacuum any leftover ash remnants from the fireplace. Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner designated for fireplaces.  

Keeping your chimney and fireplace clean and maintained is extremely important for the safety of your home and family. The chimney works to remove any toxic gases from your home that are given off by wood, gas, or oil fireplaces, furnaces, or stoves. If a chimney is not maintained or has a blockage, it can lead to these toxic gases staying in your home and being breathed in by your family. This can lead to hazardous conditions including carbon monoxide poisoning.  

When a chimney is not maintained and cleaned properly, it can also be a dangerous fire hazard. It’s important to keep it maintained and know what steps to take for fire prevention. Creosote is a highly acidic and combustible substance that builds up on the interior walls of a chimney over time. If not removed, it can lead to a chimney fire when the fireplace is in use. Other things to look for that can cause a blockage in your chimney are soot buildup, birds’ nests, and other debris. Having a blockage can also be an extreme fire hazard for your family and home.  

If your chimney or fireplace has caused fire or smoke damage in your home, please contact the Professional Fire Restoration team. We are available 24/7 to help turn crisis into calm.