The cold weather has some families starting to get their fireplaces going to stay warm.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America says it’s vital to have a chimney inspected on a regular basis.
Experts say chimney fires can happen at a home without a family ever realizing it which could put them and the house in danger.
Officials say these are the nine signs of a chimney fire:
- “Puffy” or “honey combed” creosote
- Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
- Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
- Discolored and/or distorted rain cap
- Heat-damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney
- Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
- Roofing material damaged from hot creosote
- Cracks in exterior masonry
- Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners