Chimney & Fireplace Safety Is Being Provided By Valor Chimney Until Further Notice.

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What To Do If You Have A Chimney Fire?

If you realize a chimney fire is occurring, follow these steps:

1) Get everyone out of the house, including yourself
2) Call the fire department If you can do so without risk to yourself, these additional steps may help save your home. Remember, however, that homes are replaceable, but lives are not:
  • Put a Chimfex* fire extinguisher into the fireplace or wood stove
  • Close the glass doors on the fireplace
  • Close the air inlets on the wood stove
  • Use a garden hose to spray down the roof (not the chimney) so the fire won't spread to the rest of the structure
  • Monitor the exterior chimney temperature throughout the house for at least 2 or 3 hours after the fire is out
Once it's over, call us, we are CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps to inspect for damage. Chimney fire damage and repair normally is covered by homeowner insurance policies.

*We offer these at a reasonable price for your convenience.
Fire Vent Cleaning — Chimney With Trees Background in Gilberts, IL

Chimney Fires Dont Have To Happen

Here are some ways to avoid them:
  • Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned when necessary.
  • Use only seasoned woods with a moisture content less than %20 (dryness is more important than hard wood versus soft wood considerations)
  • Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.
  • Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees; these can spark a chimney fire. 
  • Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, so you can adjust burning practices as needed.
  • Inspect and clean catalytic combustors on a regular basis, where applicable Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns. We are experienced professionals at what we do, and have witnessed the devastating destruction of home fires, caused by poorly maintained fireplaces, chimneys, or dryer vents.