Wood burners!

[Simsmarine]

If you haven't cleaned your chimney lately don't put it off another day, I cleaned mine back in October but we had a flue fire tonite. We just happened to be eating dinner and one of the kids looked out the window and said "what's that wierd light flashing out there"? I went out and the flames and coals were shooting out of the chimney like a rocket, the weather cap had completely melted! Gravois FPD was here in 5 minutes flat and kept it confined to the chimney until we could get it extinguished so we suffered no serious damages but if it had happened 1 hour later we wouldn't have noticed it right away and it would have taken the roof without a doubt. I always just cleaned it once a year and the buildup never seemed that bad...but I'll be doing it once a month from now on.

Just thought I'd share this experience in case any of you have been putting it off.

[Rusty]

Scary feeling, huh, sims. It happened to me a few years ago. The brick started shaking like a freight train was coming through the house. Make sure someone checks the firebrick for cracks. That is what happened to ours. Luckly, that was the only damage to ours. Home owners insurance was very good to me. Offered to replace the the whole fireplace, or put a stainless steel liner and a new insert. I choose the later. But it was nice to get an option.

Russ

[Simsmarine]

Our chimney is 10" clay tile surrounded by concrete and stone (60" X 28").

I can't imagine that it would have been damaged and all looks ok, but I'm sure nervous of it after seeing how hot it got.