Chimney fire

The process begins with the incomplete combustion of fuel in the attached appliance, usually a wood or coal stove, or open fire.

These volatile distillates escape into the chimney, where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into tar-like deposits, and soot.

The major cause of damage is where the heat of the chimney fire will pass through the masonry materials and overheat nearby combustibles.

An instinctive reaction may be to pour water into the fireplace or the chimney, which can cause a steam explosion that may damage the structural integrity of the masonry, or even expel the burning debris into the house.

Additional hazards include the possible buildup of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide[4] within the structure due to restricted flues.