Keep the Fire You Want from Starting One You
Don’t
Chimney fires don’t have to happen.
Here are some ways to avoid them:
What to Do if You Have a Chimney Fire.
If you realize a chimney fire is occurring, follow these steps:
If you can do so without risk to yourself, these additional steps may help save your home. Remember, however, that homes are replaceable, lives are not:
For more chimney safety tips, visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s 211 (Standard
for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances)
is the standard upon which CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps base their
services. This new standard now classifies chimney and venting
system inspections into three levels—Level I, Level II or Level
III. Each level of inspection has a specific scope of work and
specific criteria.
Level I Inspection
This inspection is recommended when the chimney and venting system
is easily accessible and when the homeowner is planning to maintain
its current use. In general, this the level of inspection performed
in most homes. In a Level I inspection a certified chimney sweep
verifies that the chimney structure is sound and that the chimney
is free of obstructions and combustible deposits, such as
creosote.
Level II Inspection
The addition of a new home heating appliance or a change in the
type of fuel a homeowner is burning requires a Level II inspection.
This inspection level is also required upon the sale or transfer of
a property or after an operating malfunction or external event that
is likely to have caused damage to the chimney. The scope of a
Level II inspection includes that of the Level I inspection plus
the inspection of accessible portions of the attics, crawl spaces
and basements. It may also include a performance test such as a
smoke test or a pressure test and possibly an interior chimney
video inspection if recommended by the certified chimney
sweep.
Level III Inspection
When a Level I or Level II inspection suggests a hidden hazard and
the evaluation cannot be performed without access to concealed
areas, a Level III inspection is recommended. This type of
inspection confirms the proper construction and condition of
concealed portions of the chimney structure and the flue. Level III
inspections are generally necessary when investigating an incident
that has caused damage to a chimney or building, or where a hazard
is detected and suspected.
Both the Chimney
Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection
Association recommend yearly chimney inspections to help
prevent fire and carbon monoxide poisonings.