Just read that 90% of chimney fires start from creosote buildup in the top 3 feet of the flue

Saw that stat in a NFPA report last night. Always thought the danger was deeper down near the firebox. Makes me wonder how many of you guys change up your brushing routine based on that.

3 comments

3 Comments

robert_bell2mo ago

Hang on a second, that stat might be a little misleading. Actually, the NFPA says 90% of chimney fires happen from creosote burning anywhere in the flue, not specifically the top 3 feet. I've seen plenty of heavy buildup down near the smoke chamber and first few feet above the firebox that catches fire too. People just notice the top stuff more because it's easier to see and harder to reach. I still hit the whole flue the same way every time instead of changing my routine based on that. Better to be thorough than sorry.

jake9862mo ago

I read the NFPA report too and it says something similar about the smoke chamber.

the_william2mo ago

Wait, @jake986 are you saying I've been wearing out my elbow scrubbing the wrong part of the flue this whole time? At least now I have an excuse for why my fireplace still smokes like a barbecue pit.