Quick Answer: Before starting a fire, open the damper, check the fireplace for visible damage, and move anything that can burn at least three feet away. Use dry, seasoned firewood with dry kindling or an approved fire starter. Never use gasoline or another flammable liquid. Keep the screen closed, watch the fire, and make sure the flames and embers are out before leaving the home or going to bed.
Check the Fireplace Before Starting
Look for cracked bricks, damaged mortar, heavy soot, shiny black buildup, water stains, loose materials, or a damper that will not open. A smoky smell when there is no fire may also point to a problem. Some chimney conditions cannot be seen from inside the room, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends having chimneys cleaned and inspected by a professional each year. This is especially important if you recently bought the home, the fireplace has not been used in several years, or its maintenance history is unknown.
Open the Damper and Clear the Area
The damper is a metal plate that allows smoke and gases to leave through the chimney. It must be fully open before you light the fire. If smoke enters the room, do not add more wood because a closed damper, chimney blockage, or airflow problem may be responsible. Keep furniture, curtains, blankets, books, decorations, and other items that can burn at least three feet away. Place a glass or metal screen in front of the opening, and make sure the home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Choose the Right Firewood
Use dry, seasoned firewood because wet or freshly cut wood creates more smoke and may increase creosote buildup. Creosote is a dark, flammable substance that can increase the risk of a chimney fire. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using firewood with less than 20% moisture. Wood should generally be dried outside for at least six months, stored off the ground, and protected from rain. Do not burn trash, plastic, painted or pressure-treated wood, plywood, particleboard, or products containing glue. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter, or another flammable liquid to start a fire.
How to Build and Manage the Fire
Place dry kindling and an approved fire starter—or a small amount of plain newspaper—on the fireplace grate. Add a few small pieces of dry wood while leaving room for airflow, then light the starter with a long match or utility lighter. When the smaller pieces are burning well, add one or two larger logs. Add wood slowly, keep the fireplace screen in place, and never leave the fire unattended. Children and pets should remain away from the hearth. If you have a fireplace insert or factory-built fireplace, follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Know When to Stop Using the Fireplace
Stop using the fireplace if smoke enters the room, the damper does not work, bricks become loose, new cracks appear, or a nearby wall becomes unusually hot. Unusual cracking sounds, falling material inside the chimney, or a strong smoky smell may also signal a problem. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home and follow the alarm manufacturer’s emergency instructions. Call emergency services if there is an active fire or immediate danger.
Put Out the Fire Safely
Do not leave the house or go to bed while flames are burning. Let the fire burn down while an adult remains nearby, and use a fireplace tool to separate the remaining logs and embers so they can cool. Keep the damper open while the embers are producing smoke. Once the ashes are completely cool, place them in a covered metal container and store it outside on concrete, gravel, or another surface that will not burn. Keep the container at least 10 feet away from the home and other buildings.
What Can a Home Inspection Tell You?
During a residential property inspection, the inspector may check visible and accessible parts of the fireplace, hearth, damper, and chimney exterior. The inspection may reveal damaged masonry, water stains, loose materials, poor installation, unsafe spacing, or other signs that further evaluation is needed. A general home inspection does not replace chimney cleaning or a detailed camera inspection because some problems inside the chimney cannot be seen during a standard inspection. If a concern is found, the inspector may recommend evaluation by a qualified chimney professional.
Fireplace Concerns in Central Indiana
Many older homes in Muncie and East Central Indiana have brick fireplaces and masonry chimneys. Rain, snow, ice, and repeated freezing and thawing can wear down exterior bricks and mortar over time. If you are buying a home with a fireplace, ask when the chimney was last cleaned and inspected. Age alone does not show whether a fireplace is ready to use because its condition, maintenance history, previous repairs, and exposure to moisture all matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a chimney be inspected?
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends having chimneys cleaned and inspected by a professional each year. An earlier inspection may be needed if smoke enters the home, visible damage develops, or a fire or storm may have affected the chimney.
Can I use a fireplace that has been unused for several years?
Have the fireplace and chimney checked before using them. The chimney may contain debris, animal nests, heavy buildup, or hidden damage even if the fireplace looks fine from inside the room.
Why is smoke entering the room?
Common causes include a closed or damaged damper, a chimney blockage, or poor airflow. Stop adding wood and have the problem checked if smoke continues entering the home.
Does a home inspection include a complete chimney inspection?
No. A general home inspection covers visible and accessible components included in the inspection. It does not replace chimney cleaning, an internal camera inspection, or another specialized chimney service.
What are the signs of creosote buildup?
Creosote may appear as black soot, flakes, or a shiny, tar-like coating inside the fireplace or chimney. A strong smoky odor can also be a warning sign. Because much of the chimney is hidden from view, have it checked and cleaned by a qualified chimney professional.
When a Home Inspection Can Help
A fireplace is only one part of a home’s overall condition. Five Star Home Inspection Group provides residential property inspections for buyers, homeowners, and investors in Muncie and throughout East Central Indiana. Inspections are led by Indiana Licensed Home Inspector Gary Bennett and include detailed reports with clear explanations of visible property conditions. Schedule your inspection online or call 765-215-2101. This article provides general information, so always follow the instructions for your fireplace and contact a qualified chimney professional when specialized service is needed.
Sources and Safety References
Safety guidance used for this article comes from the U.S. Fire Administration’s Heating Fire Safety resource and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Best Wood-Burning Practices.