Chimney fire: what it is, how to recognise it and what to do if it happens
A chimney fire is more common than you might think. Learn how to recognise one, how to act and how to prevent it with proper sweeping and maintenance.
If you think there is a chimney fire, call 112 immediately, shut off the air supply and leave the building. Do not try to extinguish it with water. Afterwards, do not use the fireplace until it has been inspected by a professional.
A chimney fire is one of the real risks of an unmaintained installation. The cause is almost always the same: creosote built up in the flue reaching its ignition temperature.
What exactly is a chimney fire?
It is not a fire burning too fiercely in the hearth. It is combustion that happens inside the flue, where creosote built up on the walls ignites. It can reach 1,000 °C or more, far beyond what any domestic flue is designed to withstand.
How to recognise it
- A loud, sustained noise: it sounds like an intense whistle, a roar or a train passing inside the flue
- Flames or sparks coming out of the top of the flue, visible from outside
- Thick, dark smoke coming out of the top
- Intense heat radiating from the chimney wall
- The chimney shakes slightly
Important: some fires are quieter and are only found later, when the flue is inspected. Always have it checked if you suspect something has happened.
What to do
- Call 112 immediately. Even if it looks under control, it can escalate.
- Close the damper and the air supply to the fireplace or insert.
- Get everyone out of the building while you wait for the fire service.
- Do not try to put it out with water: the thermal shock can crack the flue.
- Do not use the chimney until a professional has inspected the flue.
How to prevent it
Prevention is simple: sweep the flue every year. Creosote that never builds up in sufficient quantity cannot start a fire. Other factors:
- Use well-seasoned firewood (below 20% moisture)
- Avoid slow or smouldering fires for hours on end
- Have the flue checked if it has been several years
- Fit a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm
Looking for a chimney sweep near you?
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If the fire goes out by itself, can I carry on using the chimney?
No. The flue may have internal cracks that cannot be seen from outside and that pose a serious risk. It must be inspected before you use it again.
Does home insurance cover a chimney fire?
It depends on the policy. Some exclude damage unless you can show the installation had been serviced and was in good order.
How often do chimney fires happen?
They are more common than people think. The vast majority happen in installations that have not been serviced for years.
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