Chimney fires are often quieter than people expect — a roaring sound, a shower of sparks from the top, or just a smell that lingers for days. Whatever form it took, the steps afterward are the same.
- Don't use the fireplace again until it's inspected. Even a fire that seemed to burn out on its own can crack a liner or damage the flue in ways that aren't visible from the firebox.
- Call the fire department if you haven't already. If the fire was actively burning inside the chimney, this isn't optional — a chimney fire can spread into the structure of the house even after it appears to have stopped.
- Ventilate the home if it's safe to do so. Get fresh air moving through if there's lingering smoke, and don't re-enter a room that's still smoky.
- Document everything for insurance. Photos of visible damage, soot patterns, and anything that looks different from before — this matters regardless of whether you end up filing a claim.
- Schedule a Level 2 inspection. This is one of the specific situations that calls for the full interior video scan, not just a visual check, since fire damage to a liner often isn't visible without one. See chimney inspection.
- Have the flue swept before using it again, even if it was recently cleaned. Debris and damaged material from the fire itself needs to come out. See chimney sweep.
What we check for after a fire
Cracked or spalled flue tiles, damaged liner sections, warped metal components, and heat damage to the smoke chamber or crown. Depending on what we find, this can range from a straightforward sweep and inspection to liner replacement or more significant repair work. See fire damage repair.
Carbon monoxide risk doesn't end when the flames do. A damaged liner can leak combustion gases into the home on the very next fire, which is exactly why the inspection has to happen before you burn again, not after.
