How Firefighters Handle Chimney Fires

Have you ever wondered how firefighters handle chimney fires? Typically, they are the first responders to a chimney fire and as a result they have a lot of chimney fire knowledge!
The most common cause of a chimney fire is creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, and is highly combustible. If a chimney has a good amount of creosote in it the creosote can catch on fire causing a chimney fire. You will want to have your chimney cleaned at least once a year to remove any creosote buildup.
Creosote can build up in the following ways:

• Restricted air supply
• Below normal chimney temperatures

Chimney fires have distinct characteristics:

• Rumbling/roaring noise – the sound is similar to a freight train
• Flames and sparks
• Dense smoke
• Combustion seeping through existing cracks in the chimney mortar

It is important to keep in mind that even if your chimney is not displaying the signs listed above you could still have a chimney fire.
Now you might be wondering how firefighters deal with chimney fires. Below are the main steps they follow when extinguishing a chimney fire:

• First and foremost they enter the establishment and rescue all victims.
• Once everyone is safely out of the establishment they monitor the oxygen levels for CO.
• Remove as much smoke from the house as possible.
• Be prepared with a hose in case the fire extends into the structure.
• Close air intakes to stop/slow the flow of oxygen to the flue.
• Extinguish the fire.

Call Superior Chimney Services, Corp. so that we can help to PREVENT a chimney fire in your home! We can be reached at 877-244-6349.

Reference: http://www.fireengineering.com/articles/2011/07/chimney-viscuso-terpak.html