Not all chimney fires are alike. Some are slow-burning fires, lacking the levels of air or fuel found in the large, eye-catching visible fires. But even these have high temperatures that can cause as much damage to the chimney structure and nearby combustible parts of the house as the more dynamic fires.

All chimneys are essentially manufactured in a similar fashion. The by-products of the fire exit upward by convection through the chimney flue. This is generally known as the fire's “draft." There are several factors that can lead to a creosote buildup which residents in your communities should be aware of, including:

• Not maintaining a proper temperature inside the flue
• Burning wood that is not dried thoroughly
• Failure to clean the chimney on a regular basis.

The size of the fire, the construction style of the fireplace and chimney and its age will add to the possible extension of the fire. 
Let's talk about what it is like to have a chimney fire.

                                                           What's It Like To Have a Chimney Fire?

It's no fun. If it doesn't burn the house down, it will probably wreck your chimney and scare you half to death. Here is how it happens.

Begin with one dirty chimney-let's say a fireplace not cleaned for a couple of years.In a masonry chimney the soot lining the chimney flue is saturated with flammable stuff called creosote.(More detail on creosote is available in any dictionary.) It doesn't take much to ignite creosote-a newspaper fire sending flames up the the damper is enough.

Once kindled, creosote burns with joyous abandon. In a matter of seconds the fire spreads up through the flue creating a draft that only helps things along. At this point your average chimney fire begins to roar and howl, sending the occupants of the house running for cover.

If you run, you'll be treated to a real fireworks show. As the creosote fire builds and intensifiesthe temperatures can exceed 2100 degrees and melt the mortar between the brick. The red-hot mortar actually drips into the flue, only to be caught up in the tremendous updraft, and these litte fire balls shoot out the chimney and onto the roof. If you're lucky, the chimney will fall apart destroying one end of the building-if you're not , this miniature volcano can bring the whole house down. 

You are not immune to chimney fires with a metal chimney either.  The fire will get hot enough to warp the inner stainless steel liner rendering the chimney useless. The fireballs of melting creosote are catapulted onto the roof as the tremendous draft blows off the chimney cap. If it is a fireplace take above steps. If it is a woodstove shut down any possible air inlets to starve it of air.
If you stand your ground, some chimney fires can be controlled. Put out the fire in the fireplace with an extinguisher or sand.Ccover the opening with a wet blanket, call the fire department, and hope for the best.

But it should be pointed out that having your chimmney cleaned is a lot easier on the nerves than the sand and wet blanket method. And that is where we come in and have been since 1980!!!