Chimney Fire Prevention

With summer nearly behind us, and the colder winter months fast-approaching, it's never too early to start thinking about your chimney and how to accurately keep it protected and clean.

Chimney fires are hardly something to push to the back of your brain when it comes to warming your home during the winter months. They are extremely dangerous, and can occur when you least expect it, if you're not keeping up on your cleanings and/ or inspections.
Below is a table (which can be found here, at the Chimney Safety Institute of America's website) that shows just how prevalent dangerous chimney fires are.

Estimated Residential Structure Fires

Equipment	2005	2006	2007	2005-2007 Average
Total Residential	375,100	390,900	389,200	385,100
Total Heating Equipment	56,100	55,500	57,700	56,400
Local Fixed Heater	5,000	4,400	4,500	4,600
Portable Heater	1,500	1,400	1,900	1,600
Fireplace, Chimney, Chimney Connector	24,500	26,400	27,000	26,000
Central Heating	1,200	1,000	1,100	1,100
Water Heater	2,600	2,500	2,700	2,600
Air Conditioning	1,100	1,200	1,300	1,200
Other	20,300	18,700	19,100	19,300

Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission/EPHA, from data obtained from the US Fire Administration and NFPA. Note: Fire estimates are rounded to the nearest 100. Selected categories presented; subtotals do not necessarily add to heading totals. Estimates exclude losses from fires ientifiable as intentionally set.


The next table shows structural loss/ damage (which can also be found here, at the CSIA website):

Estimated Residential Structure Fire Property Loss (In Millions)

Equipment	2005	2006	2007	2005-2007 Average
Total Residential1	$6,215.6	$6303.3	$6771.5	$6430.1
Total Heating Equipment 1	$558.3	$586.5	$548.9	$564.6
Local Fixed Heater	$131	$147.6	$125.9	$134.9
Portable Heater	$75.9	$67.6	$87.6	$77.0
Fireplace, Chimney, Chimney Connector1	$115.2	$126.6	$110.3	$117.4
Central Heating	$29.9	$26.5	$24.9	$27.1
Water Heater	$65.4	$77.8	$51.3	$64.8
Air Conditioning	$28.8	$27.0	$30.9	$28.9
Other1	$112	$113.3	$118.0	$114.4

Source: US Consumer Product Safety Commission/EPHA, from data obtained from the US Fire Administration and NFPA. Note: Property loss estimates are rounded to the nearest tenth of a million dollars. Selected categories presented; subtotals do not necessarily add to heading totals. Estimate exclude losses from fires idetifiable as intentionally set.

1= There are confinded fire property loss estimates included in Total Residential, Total Heating and Cooling Equipment, Fireplace, Chimney, Chimney Connector, Other, and Total Cooking Equipment categories. 

YIKES! With statistics like those, it's hard to ignore the imminent danger that can arise from a lack of attention given to the needs of your chimney! So, what can you do?

Educate yourself. Chimney safety is no joking matter. When creosote builds up in your chimney, it can catch fire easily. Not only is this hazardous and potentially damaging to your chimney and home, but it could take the life of you and/ or your loved ones.

Don't be a statistic.

You should have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year. This is not something you can do on your own; you need to hire a professional, as mentioned in our previous post on extending your chimney life.

Powers Chimney & Masonry can take care of all your chimney needs, from inspections to cleanings to complete rebuilds.

Take advantage of our current care package:

The service includes:

- Yearly cleaning ($100 value)
- 1 Chimney Cap ($140 value)
- Yearly Water Treatment ($250+ value)
- De-moss if needed
- 10% off any repairs

Cost:
- Small easily accessible chimney: $300/ year or $25/ month
- Medium chimney: $500/ year or $41.67/ month
- Large or multiple chimneys: $750/ year or $62.50/ month (restrictions may apply)

Call (360) 691-9828 today to schedule your free estimate.