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How do I handle a chimney fire?

By Bob Millaway, South Jersey Community Expert & REALTOR®

Call 911 immediately. Do not use water on a chimney fire, as the steam can crack the chimney. Close the fireplace damper to cut off the air supply. Get everyone out of the house. Have a fire extinguisher ready. After the fire is out, do not use the fireplace again until a certified chimney sweep has inspected and cleaned it.

Why It Matters

Chimney fires can reach over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and spread to the rest of the house through cracks in the masonry. They are extremely dangerous.

Related Questions

What do I do if I smell gas in my home? What should I do if I have a carbon monoxide alarm? What should I do if there is an electrical fire? What should I do if my basement floods? What do I do if my roof is damaged in a storm?

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