How to Use: Approach with caution—never climb chimneys or light fires yourself. Use a flashlight and mirror to look inside. Start outside: check chimney height and cap. Move inside for space around stove and connections. Ask the owner about daily use (for example, “How often do you burn? Last cleaning?”). Mark High (thick creosote buildup, no carbon monoxide detector), Medium (small cracks, old tags), or Low (clean, up-to-date) risk. Wood-burning setups cause about 7,400 home fires each year (United States Fire Administration 2010–2019 data); cooking equipment starts 61% of kitchen fires (National Fire Protection Association 2014–2018). One fire can cost over $150,000. Prevent with National Fire Protection Association 211 (chimneys and vents) and Chimney Safety Institute of America rules.
THE BASICS: HOW WOOD STOVES AND CHIMNEYS WORK
A wood stove is a metal box that burns logs to heat a room. Smoke and hot gases travel up a short stovepipe into a tall chimney that vents out the roof.
Key Parts:
- Stovepipe: Short metal pipe from stove to chimney (single-wall or double-wall).
- Chimney: Tall stack (at least 3 feet above roof, 10 feet away from roof peaks) with liner, cap, and spark screen.
- Space Around Stove: 18–36 inches from walls and ceilings (check stove label).
Why Inspect:
- Creosote (sticky tar buildup) catches fire at 451°F and starts half of all heating fires (National Fire Protection Association).
- Carbon monoxide from bad venting kills silently—about 400 people a year (Centers for Disease Control).
- Sparks fly out open tops and start roof fires.
- Numbers: 1 in 4 home heating fires comes from chimneys (National Fire Protection Association 2023); yearly professional cleaning cuts risk by 70% (Chimney Safety Institute of America).
Common Myths: “Wet wood is safer”—no, it makes more creosote. “Old chimneys are fine”—many have no liner and can collapse.
Pro Tip for Students: If the stove is cold, write “looks okay—suggest live test.” Point out any brick cracks as possible structure problems.
INSPECTION CHECKLIST
INSTALLATION AND USE CHECKLIST
Why Check: Wrong setup causes 40% of problems (National Fire Protection Association). Match everything to the stove label.
ROOM AND SPACE
- Installed in a room at least 512 cubic feet (unless stove label says smaller is okay)
- Not in garage, attic, or bedroom (fire, fumes, or carbon monoxide danger)
- Floor pad: non-burn material, 18 inches past sides, 36 inches in front
CONNECTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
- Stovepipe: double-wall near walls, no longer than 75% of chimney height
- No shared chimney with gas or oil units (unless specially built)
- No extra heat catchers unless stove label allows
- Mobile home: stove must say “mobile home approved”
FUEL AND OPERATION
- No fake or waxed logs (they can explode)
- Fuel: dry seasoned wood only (less than 20% moisture—use meter if you have one)
- Doors: close tight, no air leaks
SAFETY AND PREVENTION CHECKLIST
Why Check: These stop fires and poisoning right away. Test alarms if owner says yes.
ASH AND WOOD STORAGE
- Ashes: in metal can with lid, 10 feet from house (let cool 48 hours first)
- Wood pile: 3 feet from house, raised off ground, covered
EMERGENCY TOOLS
- Fire extinguisher: 10-pound ABC type, hung near stove (within 10 feet)
- Smoke alarms: working on every floor, test monthly
- Carbon monoxide alarms: near bedrooms, fresh batteries or wired in
SPACE AND GUARDS
- Walls and ceilings: 18–36 inches clear (check stove manual)
- No rugs, curtains, or furniture within 36 inches
- Hearth pad: raised 2–6 inches, sticks out 16 inches on sides
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Why Check: National Fire Protection Association 211 says clean every year. Creosote thicker than 1/8 inch = clean now. Look for black stains or loose caps.
CHIMNEY OUTSIDE
- Height: 3 feet above roof hole, 10 feet away from roof peaks
- Cap and spark screen: in place, 1/2-inch holes (no bird nests or leaves)
- Roof seal: no gaps, no rust
- Bricks and mortar: no cracks wider than 1/4 inch, all tight
INSIDE CHIMNEY
- Liner: whole (metal or clay—no holes or missing parts)
- Creosote: less than 1/8 inch thick (shiny or flaky)
- Soot: very little, no blocks
- Connections: tight, no holes or leaks
YEARLY CHECKS
- Last cleaning: within 12 months (receipt from certified sweep)
- Type: basic visual for light use; camera for heavy use
- Repairs: only by trained professionals—no homemade fixes
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE OWNER
- “When was the last chimney cleaning and check? Can I see the paper?”
- “How often do you use the stove—every day or just sometimes?”
- “Any smoke coming back inside, strange smells, or shaking when burning?”
- “Where do you keep ashes and wood—show me?”
- “Have the alarms ever gone off? When did you last test them?”
RISK LEVELS
- High = Stop use, fix today (for example, creosote thicker than 1/4 inch, no carbon monoxide alarm)
- Medium = Fix within 30 days (for example, cracked mortar, old extinguisher tag)
- Low = Check once a year (for example, little soot, good space)
LCA Certified Inspector “Vent it right. Clean it often. Burn it safe.”
Resources:
- National Fire Protection Association 211 (2024): Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents & Solid Fuel Appliances
- Chimney Safety Institute of America (chimneysafetyinstitute.org)
- InspectAPedia: Chimney Inspection Guide
- Chimneys.com: National Fire Protection Association 211 Summary
- Video: “Chimney Fire Safety” (YouTube/National Fire Protection Association channel)
Disclosure: This guide highlights common risks but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes and carrier guidelines.