The cause of chimney fires stems from creosote buildup inside of the chimney when wood
burns inside of the wood stove. If you don’t know whether or not if you have creosote buildup in your chimney, it often looks like a gummy substance with a foul smell. The danger of creosote is that it’s extremely combustible. Creosote can create a coating inside your pipes and chimney liners. This is the main reason why chimney’s and pipes must be cleaned and inspected periodically. To identify a
potential chimney fire, the sounds of crackling or popping is a sign of a chimney fire. Here are some tips that will help you prevent chimney fires.

Periodically Clean Your Chimney: If your stove is not consistently drafting well and smoke is being pushed downward instead of up and out of the chimney, it is a sign that you need to have your chimney swept and inspected. If someone you know is an experienced contractor, then purchasing a brush and an extension rod to clean your chimney may be a great investment, but please do not attempt to clean your chimney yourself and call a professional.

Burn Dry Wood: Burn only dry wood and not wet or fully cured wood in your fireplace. Burning dry wood does have its own benefit such as creating more smoke. Burning wet wood leads to a faster buildup of creosote in your chimney.

Burn Harder Firewood: Firewood that comes from hardwood trees are the best for fireplaces. Avoid using really sappy pine trees or woods that usually do not burn. Burning the wrong firewood can lead to a buildup of creosote.

Regularly Use the Fireplace: Frequently using your fireplace will also prevent the buildup of creosote. There are tools that are available to gauge when you should use your fireplace and when you should close the flue.

Creosote Removal: There are products that are available that will help remove creosote from your chimney. Creosote remover powder can help remove the creosote in your chimney by burning the powder in your wood stove and turning the creosote into powder. Note that this method should not take the place of a full chimney sweeping but will help reduce the presence of creosote.