Flue fire risk on rise as temperatures drop

Flue fire risks are on the rise in mid-Missouri as temperatures continue to drop.

There has already been at least one flue fire in 2018. Fire crews at Monday’s fire on Purdy Lane said the flue pipe likely got too hot and ignited the insulation.

Officials said flue pipes can also build up creosote, a residue that, over time, can catch fire. They said the most important thing is to have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually.

“That will prevent the buildup of creosote, which can catch fire and cause a chimney fire up in the chimney itself,” Columbia Fire Department Assistant Chief Brad Fraizer said.

Here’s some additional advice from Fraizer:
-Keep anything flammable away from the open hearth
-Monitor the fire at all times
-Put the fire out when you’re done

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were just under 25,000 chimney fires in 2010, and they caused more than $150 million in damage.