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, ...

Flue season is upon us. That means it's time to protect yourself. Not against aches and pains, but against the risks of a chimney fire. "Fireplaces need to be maintained," says James Rydill, owner of ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Oct. 3, 2014) — With cooler temperatures arriving in central Indiana this weekend, many Hoosiers will turn their fireplaces on for the first time this season. That’s prompting ...

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 ...

Q: I recently moved into my house in Germany, and I got a notice on my door that a chimney sweep would be coming the next morning. But I don’t even have a fireplace. What’s up with that? A ...