Chimney Fires

John_3:16

I do get a little paranoid about what I burn on our wood burner. The timber I use, I like to be 2 years seasoned.

Is there any sites or has anyone any info on stats for chimney fires , log burners v open fires etc.

I have the chimney swep once a year by a sweep, with me sweeping another time 6 mths in. I constantly check for build up at the lower end but can't see much above 5 feet, as the chimney bends a little. We have a 9inch clay liner that has been great for the last 5 years.

Swipe

If you are using 2 years seasoned wood and not letting it smoulder you have nothing to worry about at all

hethmar

Open fires lose a lot of the heat up the chimney which means less debris is deposited.

You sound very sensible about the way you are burning. Dont be frightened to have a good burn every day - slumbering an appliance is the cause of resin build up - and if you are concerned, your local Fire Service safety officer should have some leaflets and information for you.

John_3:16

The chinmey is in the center of the house so does not get cold and keeps warm. Is it the case that tar build up is on a cold chimney and will not build up on a hot chinmey?

crphillips

Quite a considerable drop in chimney fires since proper regulations were brought in.....especially considering the amount of stoves being installed in properties rising massively recently!

Burn it hot with plenty of air. This is the issue when people buy stoves that are too big......the wood doesn't burn cleanly and efficiently.

If your sweeping the flue twice a year you need not worry about a chimney fire unless it's full of tar but you should be able to see this as a shiny black finish on the inside of the flue.