The most experienced chimney service company in Berks County.

Chimney Safety

Polyak Services follows all guidelines and recommendations from the National Fire Protection Association Code #211. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that homeowners have their chimney inspected at least once a year. The National Fire Protection Association reports an annual average of 358,500 home structure fires per year during 2011-2015. As a result of these fires, 2,510 people died, 12,300 people were injured, and total property losses were set at more than $6.7 billion in property damage each year.


How to Avoid Chimney Fires

Creosote is the main cause of chimney fires. A buildup of creosote is highly combustible and can result in a chimney fire. To minimize creosote:

  • Burn only seasoned woods.
  • Contact your chimney professional to clean your chimney regularly.
  • Don't allow the fire to smolder.
  • Do not burn trash in a fireplace or woodstove.

What to do if You Have a Chimney Fire

Get everyone out of the house.

Call the Fire Department.

Don't close the damper. If you have a fireplace with glass doors, close the doors and the vents. If you have a woodstove, close the doors and the air inlets.

If flames are visible at the chimney top, hose down the roof, but not the chimney. Spraying water on a hot chimney could damage it.

Call a chimney professional before using it again. Even a small chimney fire can damage the chimney, making it unsafe to use.


Additional Resources

Please see the below websites for additional information on chimney safety.

CSIA Chimney Safety Overview NFPA Public Education

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