Chimney Fires: Warning Signs, Emergency Action and Safe Reuse

A sudden roaring noise from the chimney, sparks above the roof or smoke entering a room can turn a normal evening by the stove into an emergency. If you suspect a chimney fire, get everyone out of the property and call 112 from a safe place. Do not wait for visible flames or stay inside to investigate.

Knowing the warning signs helps you act quickly. Knowing when the fireplace or stove can safely be used again matters just as much.

Chimney fire warning signs

A chimney fire can start when soot or creosote—the combustible, tar-like deposits left by burning wood—ignites inside the flue. The fire may be largely hidden from view.

Possible warning signs include:

• An unusual roaring or rushing sound, sometimes described as a strong wind inside the chimney.
• Sparks or flames coming from the chimney pot, noticed from a safe position or reported by a neighbour.
• Burning soot or debris falling into the fireplace.
• Unexpected smoke entering the home, including rooms away from the appliance.
• Unusual heat or discolouration around the chimney breast or nearby surfaces. Do not touch surfaces to check their temperature.

Not every chimney fire produces a dramatic roar. Equally, smoke entering a room does not prove there is a chimney fire: a blockage or another dangerous fault could be responsible.

A smoke or carbon monoxide alarm requires immediate action. Do not investigate the chimney to decide whether an alarm is justified.

What to do during a chimney fire

Your immediate priorities are getting people to safety and calling the emergency services.

Leave the property

Warn everyone and use the nearest safe escape route. Help children and anyone who needs assistance. Take pets only if this does not delay your escape or put anyone at risk.

Close doors behind you where possible without delaying your exit. Leave belongings behind, and do not enter a smoke-filled loft or another room to inspect the chimney.

If you cannot escape safely, call 112 immediately, explain exactly where you are and follow the operator’s instructions.

Call 112 from a safe place

Ask for the fire brigade and give the full address, including the town. Say that you suspect a chimney fire.

Tell the operator whether anyone remains inside, whether neighbouring properties may be affected and whether anyone has inhaled smoke or feels unwell. Follow their instructions.

Stay outside, keep clear of falling debris and leave access available for emergency vehicles. Tell arriving firefighters immediately if anyone is missing.

Avoid actions that increase the danger

Never pour water into the stove, fireplace or chimney to tackle a chimney fire. Rapid steam formation and sudden cooling can damage the flue.

Do not climb onto the roof, attempt to sweep the chimney or open inspection covers. Do not delay evacuation to adjust controls or attempt firefighting, and do not go back inside to open windows or retrieve possessions.

Even if the noise stops or the flames disappear, remain outside until the fire brigade says it is safe to return.

Why the appliance and flue need assessment before reuse

A chimney that looks normal from the room may still have concealed damage. Intense heat can affect liners, joints and connecting components. Defects can allow smoke, hot gases or carbon monoxide to escape from the intended route.

Permission to re-enter the home does not establish that the heating system is ready to use.

The regional fire authority’s guidance on chimney fires and safe reuse calls for professional sweeping and checks for damage before using the fireplace or wood stove again, with a written report or declaration.

Do not light a small “test fire”. Keep the appliance out of use until the assessment and any required repairs are complete.

Arrange an assessment of the complete system

When booking a qualified chimney and stove specialist, state clearly that a chimney fire has occurred or is suspected. A routine sweeping appointment may need a different scope.

Ask the specialist to assess:

• The chimney and flue: remaining deposits, obstructions and possible damage to the liner or joints.
• The appliance and connecting pipe: heat damage and the condition of relevant seals and components.
• The surrounding construction: areas where heat may have affected nearby materials, particularly around floors and the roof.
• Further inspection or testing: whether camera inspection or suitable integrity checks are needed for that installation.

Sweeping removes deposits; it does not, by itself, establish that every component remains sound. The specialist should determine which checks are appropriate for the flue material, appliance and incident.

Request written findings, details of completed repairs and a clear statement about suitability for reuse. Keep these with maintenance records and contact your insurer about any documentation it requires. Tenants should also notify their landlord.

Reduce the chance of another incident

Once the system has been cleared for use, review both maintenance and burning habits.

Arrange regular professional sweeping, with the frequency matched to the fuel and how often the appliance operates. Burn only fuel approved for the appliance; for a wood-burning stove, use clean, dry, untreated wood. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid prolonged smouldering through insufficient combustion air.

Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and practise an escape plan with everyone in the household.

Printable chimney fire emergency checklist

Print this checklist, complete the details and keep it somewhere easy to find.

Property address: ______________________________________

Postcode and town: ____________________________________

Safe outdoor meeting point: ____________________________

If a chimney fire is suspected

• Warn everyone and leave by a safe route.
• Help anyone needing assistance without delaying escape.
• Close doors behind you if safe.
• Call 112 from a safe place; give the full address and report a suspected chimney fire.
• Tell the operator about anyone trapped, missing or unwell.
• Never use water or climb onto the roof.
• Stay outside, keep access clear and follow emergency instructions.
• Do not re-enter until the fire brigade says it is safe.

If escape is blocked: call 112 immediately and give your exact location.

Before using the fireplace or stove again

• Keep the appliance out of use.
• Notify the insurer and landlord, where applicable.
• Arrange professional cleaning and assessment of the appliance and flue.
• Complete required repairs and checks.
• Obtain written findings and confirmation of suitability for reuse.
• Review maintenance, alarms and the household escape plan.