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A warning for those with chimneys.....

3/5/2019

13 Comments

 
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We had a chimney fire last Thursday evening complete with a 911 call, two trucks with sirens blazing like the fire in our flue, screaming to a halt in front of our house. Luckily we didn’t experience any damage but it was frightening to see foot high flames shooting out of the top of the chimney against the backdrop of a night sky while acrid smoke permeated the house.  The firemen checked the walls with a Thermal Imagine, looking for hot spots from the first floor to the attic, to make sure there wasn’t any fire smoldering behind the walls, waiting to explode and devour our home.  They emptied the woodstove of the burning logs and then hung around until they were confident the drama was over and left us shaking and scratching our heads.

Two important details of note.  The firemen told us there has been an unusual amount of calls for chimney fires this year.  One fireman told us that he had his cleaned in December and a month later had a chimney fire.  We had our Sweep guy do our annual cleanout in November, but when he came on Friday to clear out the charred remains, he took out five buckets full of blackened soot and buildup.  He told us that twelve of his customers had fires this winter.  He could only offer assumptions as to why, perhaps the wood isn’t seasoned enough and/or the cold temperatures are slowing the smoke and sparks from carrying up the chimney.  He said because we live along the water there is more moisture in the air, probably a contributor to creosote accumulation.  For whatever the reason or a combination of all, the conditions were ripe for a fire. Of course, outside chimneys are more susceptible to build-up due to not being insulated from the harsh temperatures cooling them, so they don’t burn as clean.  Because of what we’ve been told and experienced, I’m suggesting those of you with chimneys, get a mirror and a flashlight to check out your flue, better to be safe than sorry.  

As a solution, we are going to buy the equipment to clean our chimney once a month.  Gows Home Hardware sells the brushes and the rods to do the job.  A lot rests on being diligent, and this will be a small price to pay for peace of mind.  We will also clean the inside stove pipes every two weeks instead of every month; it’s marked on the calendar now so we won’t forget or become complacent.  I don’t want to see another fireman in my house unless he’s been invited for a social gathering but I’d like to give a big thank-you to the guys that came to our rescue, Mahone Bay’s finest!

The stress drove my blood sugar as high as Everest and later I didn't sleep well, my mind churning through the what ifs, as my mood stayed blacker than the thin sheet of ash that covered the snowy yard after the chimney erupted like a brick volcano. 

Although I don't think we were in any immediate threat of losing everything, I still prepared for the worst, grabbing the pups and their coats, car keys, my rings, both laptop computers and the Baby Magic Doll that was staring at me from a shelf in the living room, her big beautiful eyes seemed to say, “don’t leave me behind!”  I stood by the door and looked around and I thought what else should I grab, my mother-in-law's silver tea set? More jewelry?  Some of the Blue & White dish collection from the obsessive amounts that hang on the walls and fill the cupboards?  I stood dumb founded by indecision, not able to think of a single item I couldn’t live without. I figured I wouldn’t miss anything too terribly but I would mourn the inconvenience of the aftermath of a fire, the insurance claim, purchasing new clothes, finding a place to live in the interim and then a possible rebuild.  I’ll bet dollars to donuts our next home wouldn’t look anything like the footprint of our current one. 

We live in a moderate sized house filled to the brim with things.  Surely we’ve accumulated something worth the trouble to tuck under our arm and flee!   Nothing worth dying over obviously, but if time allowed surely I could have come up with something that might have made the loss of everything less of a hardship.    I was more worried that I had a hole in the heel of my one sock, thinking great, that’s what I’ll have to live with until we can find some things to wear.  I had on clean underwear, my mom would be proud that her constant nagging is still working. Luckily I was wearing my favourite bra, a good bra is worth its weight in gold, and as I looked down at the shirt that I was wearing I figured it wouldn’t be too much of a hardship to have to sleep in it, perhaps even in the car for the first homeless night.   

So after the firemen left and the quiet engulfed me, I rewound and played the entire evening in my head, over and over to make sense of it all.  I came away from the experience with an interesting view of my life, contemplating what is worthy and finding the list relatively small compared to the size of our possessions.   Our homes, our nests and the stuff in them is our mark on this planet...our properties makes us unique and individual....setting us apart from the Jones.  But, if none of it really matters why are we buying or building mammoth homes and purchasing stuff to fill them?  Why is it so important to have things if we can live without it? Someone once told me “Your house might be nice, but if you ever get cancer it won’t mean a damn thing.”   Well maybe it doesn’t mean that much now, if I can turn my back on it within a few heartbeats while making split second decisions on what survives and what doesn’t? 

Obviously we give stuff too much credence, way too much effort, and throw too much money at it.  Seriously, why couldn’t I have come to this realization in my youth when I was building our nest and dragging home stuff to fill the halls and rooms as if that’s what truly mattered?   Starting over today, we’d be minimalists, parked in a bungalow with the bare necessities to exist comfortably.  No dusting a bunch of items that serve little purpose but to look at, not having closets and cupboards filled with items that are forgotten; only being surrounding with things that matter.  Once again, less seems to be more. 

A house fire can start and develop into life threatening chaos in a matter of minutes but what would you save if you had two minutes to grab possessions?  In this scenario, the family and pets are safe on the lawn and you have 120 seconds to rescue the things you can’t live without?  What would they be?  Something to think about.....
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13 Comments
Starr
3/5/2019 11:46:41 am

After being thru a chimney fire years ago, a fireman suggested we purchase chimfex fire extinguishing sticks you toss into fireplace and it puts out the chimney fire while you still call the fire Dept ( as added precaution) We never had to use them, but it was a peace of mine we had it.

Reply
Patsy Gorveatte
3/5/2019 04:56:49 pm

I must look for that stuff. Thanks !

Reply
Marye
3/5/2019 01:06:09 pm

Wow, so glad it wasn’t worse. Sure does scare you and then make you think though. I’m with you...pets and people are the most important. And we do fill the houses with too much!

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Patsy Gorveatte
3/5/2019 04:59:14 pm

I'm so glad it wasnt worse. One thing you didnt mention in your post was how you knew it started if the flames were shooting out the top of the chimney. I'd be afraid it was going on and I didnt know about it until it was too late. Glad everyone is safe!

Reply
Christine
3/5/2019 06:55:47 pm

We came home and Gregg stoked the fire, adding some bark to get it going. It burned really hot quickly. We immediately heard the sparks going up the stovepipe (sounded like sand hitting the sides of the pipe) as the creosote was burning off. That's what started the fire in the chimney.

Reply
Mortgage Broker in Sydney link
5/9/2023 07:10:11 pm

This blog about warning for those with chimney is really insightful. I'll bookmark this one.

Reply
Mortgage Broker Australia link
5/9/2023 08:19:54 pm

This news about chimneys is really interesting. This is awesome. Props to the writer this article.

Reply
Frechette Chimney Sweeping link
11/25/2024 12:20:03 am

Thank you for sharing such an impactful and thoughtful account of your chimney fire experience. We're glad to hear that no significant damage occurred and that you and your family stayed safe. The events you describe highlight the critical importance of regular chimney maintenance, something we at Frechette Chimney Sweeping take very seriously.

As you pointed out, even after a chimney is cleaned, there’s still a risk of creosote buildup if conditions are right. With unpredictable weather and moisture in the air, it's easy for creosote to accumulate unnoticed. This is why we recommend homeowners get their chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly, even if no signs of trouble are visible.

It's great to hear that you're taking proactive steps like monthly cleaning to ensure your chimney is always safe. However, it's important to remember that professional chimney services offer expertise and tools that go beyond what can be done with DIY equipment. We encourage everyone to schedule a full inspection and cleaning from a trusted chimney sweep like Frechette Chimney Sweeping, based right here in Sanford, ME. Our technicians can thoroughly evaluate your chimney’s condition and help prevent future fires, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe.

Thanks again for sharing your experience, and we hope everyone takes this as a reminder to regularly inspect and maintain their chimneys to avoid dangerous situations. Stay safe!

Reply
Chimney Service in Harrisonburg, VA link
12/2/2024 10:44:17 pm

Thank you for sharing your powerful experience and highlighting the critical importance of chimney safety. The stress and uncertainty of dealing with a chimney fire are truly eye-opening, and it's a reminder that preventative maintenance can make all the difference.

For homeowners in Harrisonburg, VA, regular chimney sweeping and inspections are key to preventing these kinds of dangerous situations. At Flue Pros Chimney, we specialize in thorough chimney cleanings that help reduce the risk of chimney fires, ensuring your home stays safe and your fireplace operates efficiently. As you rightly pointed out, buildup from unseasoned wood or cold temperatures can create dangerous conditions, and it’s important to be proactive.

Whether it’s scheduling your annual chimney sweep or having your chimney inspected for potential issues, our expert technicians can help ensure that your home and family remain protected. Don’t wait for a fire to remind you of the risks—reach out to Flue Pros Chimney today to schedule your next cleaning and inspection!

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Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link
12/29/2024 10:49:53 pm

Thank you for sharing such a powerful and eye-opening experience. It's a stark reminder of how quickly a chimney fire can escalate into a life-threatening situation. As you rightly pointed out, chimney maintenance is critical to ensuring the safety of our homes. Regular chimney sweeps, like the ones we provide at Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps, play a key role in preventing dangerous build-ups of soot and creosote, which can fuel a fire.

For residents in Alexandria, VA, regular chimney cleanings and inspections are essential, especially with the colder weather and high humidity that can contribute to creosote accumulation. We always recommend scheduling a professional chimney sweep at least once a year to ensure everything is in top shape and avoid a potentially disastrous situation.

Thank you again for highlighting this important safety topic. If anyone reading this is due for their annual chimney cleaning or has concerns about the safety of their fireplace, we at Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps are always here to help! Stay safe and take care.

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Chimney Restoration of Kansas City link
3/5/2025 09:16:08 pm

Thank you for sharing this important and eye-opening experience. A chimney fire is one of the biggest risks homeowners face when chimney maintenance is overlooked, and your story highlights just how quickly things can escalate.

At Chimney Restoration of Kansas City, we emphasize the importance of routine chimney inspection and professional cleaning to prevent dangerous creosote buildup—the leading cause of chimney fires. Even if a chimney has been swept recently, factors like unseasoned wood, moisture, and cold weather can accelerate creosote accumulation, making frequent inspections crucial.

For homeowners searching for a reliable chimney sweep Kansas City, our team provides expert chimney cleaning and safety checks to ensure your fireplace and flue system function properly. We also specialize in chimney repair, addressing structural damage, faulty flashing, and inefficient ventilation that can contribute to fire hazards.

If you're looking for a chimney service near me in Kansas City, our professionals are here to help with inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance to keep your home and family safe. Your experience is a powerful reminder that regular upkeep is not just about efficiency—it’s about peace of mind.

Wishing you and your family continued safety, and thank you for shedding light on this critical issue!

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Local Chimney Company link
3/12/2025 10:26:18 pm

Experiencing a chimney fire is truly terrifying, and your story serves as an important reminder of why routine chimney maintenance is crucial for home safety. Even with regular cleanings, creosote buildup, moisture issues, and burning unseasoned wood can all contribute to dangerous conditions.

At Masters Services Chimney & Masonry, we’ve helped homeowners prevent these risks through expert inspections, cleanings, and repairs. As Houston's Chimney Service Provider, we specialize in full-service chimney care, from sweeping and creosote removal to structural repairs and chimney cap installations that help protect against moisture damage and buildup.

For homeowners in Houston, TX, who want to ensure their chimney is safe and functioning properly, our team is here to provide professional inspections and long-term solutions. Staying proactive with chimney maintenance can help prevent fires and give you peace of mind.

Reply
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