Creosote buildup causes chimney fires. You should have your chimney professionally inspected or cleaned after every 70 fires. If you burn wet wood (which you shouldn’t), have it inspected or cleaned ...

People are drawn to a fire, whether for roasting marshmallows in summer or cuddling up near the fireplace in winter. Just as you take precautions to prevent campfires from getting out of control, ...

Here’s one for the annals of homeowner negligence: As of last month, my chimney had gone eight full years without being inspected, much less cleaned. For all I knew, a few generations of squirrels had ...

1. Get an annual chimney check. 2. Keep the chimney clear (tree branches should be at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney). 3. Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the ...

Chimney-related fires cause over 25,000 house fires annually in the U.S., most from problems homeowners never knew existed. Even occasional fireplace use produces creosote, a highly flammable residue ...

A massive fire that destroyed Rachael Ray’s New York home in August was started in the chimney, according to the celebrity chef. The sad news comes as a reminder to homeowners about the dangers of ...

How do I know if my fireplace is safe to use? Whether you have a gas or wood burning fireplace, you must be sure that it is safe to use. Falling debris, water streaks, excessive soot or heat, and ...

If you’re wondering when to clean your chimney, there are some key signs to look out for. Routinely check its condition so that it’s adequately maintained before it builds up thick layers of debris.