Madison Chimney Fire Caused By Creosote Buildup

MADISON, NJ - A buildup of creosote sparked a chimney fire that brought out the Madison Fire Department last Wednesday.

According to the Madison Fire Department upon arrival they discovered an active chimney fire due to creosote buildup. The ladder truck was utilized and the fire was extinguished. When wood is burning slowly, the smoke usually contains a substance called creosote that collects in the relatively cool chimney flue. The main causes of creosote buildup are wet or unseasoned wood or incomplete combustion.

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America indications of a chimney fire have been described as creating:

• loud cracking and popping noise
• a lot of dense smoke, and
• an intense, hot smell

Conditions that encourage the buildup of creosote:

• restricted air supply
• unseasoned wood
• cooler than normal chimney temperatures

The Madison Fire Department recommended that any chimney which is used is cleaned and inspected once a year.

(Photo courtesy of the Madison Fire Department)

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