How to Put Out a Chimney Fire: The Ultimate Emergency & Safety Guide
If you hear a roaring sound like a freight train, see dense black smoke, or flames shooting from the top of your chimney:
1. Evacuate your family immediately.
2. Call 911 from outside.
3. Do not assume the fire will burn itself out.
A chimney fire is one of the most terrifying events a homeowner can experience. It transforms your source of winter comfort into a potential structural disaster. The intense heat can crack clay liners, melt mortar, and ignite the wood framing of your home in seconds.
In this comprehensive guide, we will detail exactly how to put out a chimney fire if you catch it early, how to prevent it, and the critical steps for recovery. We will also explore the physics of airflow, referenced in our guide on fireplace draft problems, to help you understand why these fires start.
Is It Actually a Chimney Fire?
Before taking drastic action, confirm the signs. A “silent” chimney fire burns slowly and destroys the liner, while a “free-burning” fire is explosive. For a deep dive, read our full article on Chimney Fire Signs.
- Loud Roaring: Sounds like a low-flying jet or train.
- Explosive Popping: This is the liner cracking under thermal shock.
- Dense Smoke: Often dark brown or black, distinct from normal wood smoke.
- Intense Heat: The mantel or walls surrounding the chimney feel hot to the touch.
Note: Weird noises aren’t always fire. If you hear scratching, you might need to know how to get a raccoon out of your chimney or deal with a bird stuck in the chimney.
5 Steps to Extinguish a Chimney Fire
If you have confirmed a fire and it is safe to approach the fireplace, follow these steps immediately while someone else calls 911.
Cut the Oxygen
Fire needs oxygen to burn. Immediately close the glass doors on your fireplace. If you have a wood stove, shut the air intake vents completely. If you have an open fireplace, this is difficult, which is why fireplace inserts are safer.
Deploy a Flare (Chimfex)
If you have a specialized chimney fire extinguisher (like Chimfex), ignite it and toss it into the firebox (next to the fire, not in it), then close the door. It sucks the oxygen out of the flue.
Steam the Fire
If you don’t have a flare, throw a small amount of water onto the logs (not the masonry) to create steam. The steam rises and helps starve the chimney fire of oxygen.
Evacuate & Hose the Roof
Leave the house. If you can safely access a garden hose from the ground, spray the roof around the chimney to prevent sparks from igniting your shingles. DO NOT spray water down the chimney.
Fatal Mistakes: What NOT To Do
Pouring water from the top down into a hot chimney will cause the masonry to crack instantly due to thermal shock. The water will turn to steam explosively, potentially blowing out the chimney walls and sending fire into your attic.
Additionally, do not climb onto the roof during the fire. The structure may be weakened. For more on structural safety, see our guide on best mortar for chimney repair.
Essential Safety Gear for Your Hearth
Every home with a wood-burning appliance should have these items nearby. We have selected these based on reliability and safety ratings.
Chimfex Original Chimney Fire Extinguisher
The gold standard for homeowner chimney safety. It emits fumes that replace the oxygen in the flue, suffocating the fire in seconds.
Check Price on AmazonKidde Fire Extinguisher (Class A-B-C)
While Chimfex handles the flue, you need a standard extinguisher for any logs that roll out or sparks that hit the carpet.
Check Price on AmazonHeavy Duty Welding Gloves
If you need to close a hot damper or manipulate a latch during a fire event, standard oven mitts won’t work.
Check Price on AmazonThe Aftermath: What Happens Next?
Once the fire is out, you cannot simply use the fireplace again. The intense heat (often exceeding 2000°F) has likely damaged the chimney structure.
1. Inspection is Mandatory
You must hire a certified sweep. They will look for cracked tiles, warped dampers, and damaged sealant. If they find damage, you might need to know how to fix a leaky chimney or apply new chimney flashing sealant.
2. Insurance Claims
This is a major financial concern. We have a detailed guide answering: Does homeowners insurance cover chimney repair? Generally, “sudden and accidental” damage from a fire is covered, but damage from lack of maintenance (old creosote) might be contested.
3. Restoration
Restoration might involve installing a stainless steel liner. If you go this route, you will need the best chimney brush for stainless steel liners for future maintenance. You may also need to waterproof the exterior—learn how to waterproof a chimney here.
Prevention: Never Let It Happen Again
The only true cure for a chimney fire is prevention. Creosote buildup is the fuel; you must manage it.
- Burn the Right Wood: Only burn dry, seasoned hardwood. See our guide on the best firewood for fireplace use.
- Clean Regularly: How often should you clean a chimney? At least annually. Use the best chimney services or get a high-quality chimney sweep vacuum for DIY maintenance.
- Cap It Off: Install a cap to prevent debris blockages. We reviewed the best chimney caps for rain and animals.
- Proper Starts: Using the best chimney starters ensures a hot, clean burn from the beginning, reducing creosote deposits.
For further reading on maintaining a safe home environment during the cold months, check our winter home and car comfort tips.
For additional expert advice, we recommend reading Brick and Ember’s 7 Life-Saving Tips on this topic.