What to Do In Case Of Chimney Fire

Chimney fires are scary and more common than you think. We have a step by step guide for you on how to handle this situation the best.

1. Get Everyone Out

If you think a chimney fire has occurred, you should get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible. This will allow you to reduce the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed into the fire and keep larger flames from spreading.

Getting everyone out will also prevent pets from running into rooms where the fire is. This is particularly important if you have children in the home.

Another way to prevent chimney fires is to always use proper fireplace tools when using a fireplace or wood stove. These will help create an updraft to pull the smoke up the chimney rather than allowing it to blow back into your room.

In addition to these basic tips, you can also call a chimney service professional to clean your chimney regularly to help prevent chimney fires from happening in the first place. This is a very important step to take, as chimney fires can be very dangerous, especially slow-burning ones.

2. Close the Openings

Your chimney system is designed to protect your home from combustible gases, fumes and smoke. That’s why it needs to be carefully inspected and cleaned regularly.

The opening in your chimney that smoke passes through is called a flue. It should be sized appropriately to match your stove’s capacity and chimney height.

Dampers are placed inside the flue to help control ventilation and prevent a fire from getting too hot. They also keep cold air out when the fire isn’t burning.

If you open the damper while a fire is going, you could run into some serious problems. Your fire will struggle to get enough oxygen, causing it to smoke and make carbon monoxide.

The damper can be closed while the fire is burning by pressing a lever or pulling chains, which are located toward the interior front of the fireplace. That method is safe as long as you know what you’re doing.

3. Extinguish the Fire

In order to avoid a chimney fire, make sure you keep your fireplace and flue clean and free of flammable items. This includes burning paper, cardboard and glossy pages, which can release chemicals into the air and splatter up the chimney.

You also want to limit the amount of time your fire burns to no more than five hours a day. Too much time spent in the fire can cause damage to your chimney and even start a fire in your home.

A chimney fire is a very dangerous thing to have happen to you and your family. If left unchecked, a chimney fire can spread and destroy the interior walls of your home or threaten the structure of the building.

In order to extinguish the fire, open the damper in the fireplace. Leaving the damper open too soon can cause another fire to start inside your home, so be sure to open it slowly.

4. Call the Fire Department

If you notice a chimney fire, it is important that you get everyone out of the house quickly and call your local fire department. They will be able to put out the fire and check if it has spread to other parts of your home.

A chimney fire can be a devastating event that can ruin your life and the integrity of your home. It can even cause serious injury.

There are several signs that you may have a chimney fire. Some are easy to spot, such as a strong odour in your home.

Damaged flue tiles: A slow-burning chimney fire may burn through the exterior of your chimney, causing damage to the flue tile and possibly cracks in the flue wall.

Melted roofing: If you notice melted roof shingles and other accessories on the roof, this is another sign that a chimney fire has happened.

Look for other signs of a chimney fire too, such as loose soot or ash falling down your chimney and the presence of flaming material within your chimney. Getting these things checked and cleaned up right away will prevent you from having to deal with a chimney fire again!


Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

Mindful Merriment: Staying Aware of Household Hazards Throughout the Holidays

By Alastair roe • December 18, 2025
As we enter the height of the Christmas season, the joy of festivities brings with it a unique set of risks to our homes. At Property Damage Loss Assessors , we see a significant rise in insurance claims during December—many of which could be avoided with increased awareness and caution. To ensure your holiday remains stress-free, we have highlighted the key hazards that require your utmost attention this year. Fire Safety: Awareness in the Heart of the Home The combination of dry decorations and increased heat sources makes fire safety a primary concern. High levels of vigilance are required in the following areas: Chimney Fires: With fireplaces working overtime, ensure your chimney has been professionally swept. A buildup of soot or bird nests can lead to devastating chimney fires that spread quickly to the rest of the structure. Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended or near flammable materials like curtains or Christmas trees. Always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Christmas Lights: Check old decorative lights for frayed wires or loose connections. Avoid overloading sockets and always turn off all festive lighting when you leave the house or sleep. Cigarettes: If hosting guests, ensure that smoking materials are disposed of safely in deep ashtrays. Embers in a wastepaper bin are a common cause of late-night house fires. Security Awareness: Preventing Seasonal Burglaries Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a peak time for opportunistic crime. To protect your home from burglaries , keep gifts and high-value items out of sight from windows. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and if you are heading out for a festive event, consider using timer switches on lamps to give the impression that the home is occupied. Escape of Water: Protecting an Empty Property If you are planning to travel to visit family this Christmas, water damage is a major risk that can occur in your absence. A small leak from a frozen or burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage if left running for several days. To prevent catastrophic water damage during a cold snap, remain vigilant against frozen pipes . If you are leaving your property over Christmas, ensure your heating is set to a "frost protection" mode and turn off the water at the mains stopcock to prevent an undetected escape of water . Taking a moment to correctly drain your system can save you from the stress of a major flood and a complex insurance claim. By staying aware of these hazards, you can protect your property and your peace of mind. However, should the unexpected happen, Property Damage Loss Assessors are here to help you navigate your insurance claim and secure the settlement you need to get back on track. Ultimately, Christmas is a time for celebration and making memories with loved ones. By staying mindful of these common hazards and taking small, proactive steps to secure your property, you can ensure your holiday remains joyful and uninterrupted. From all of us at Property Damage Loss Assessors , we wish you a very safe, happy, and hazard-free Christmas season.

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.

Storm and Wind Damage in Ireland: Common Issues and How Homeowners Should Handle Them

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Storms and high winds are becoming increasingly common across Ireland, especially during the winter months. These events often lead to property damage that ranges from minor roof issues to major structural problems. Understanding how storm damage occurs and how to respond correctly is essential for any homeowner. Making the right decisions early on can prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve the outcome of an insurance claim. Common Types of Storm Damage in Ireland 1. Roof Damage The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during strong winds. Tiles can become loose or fall off entirely, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter the property. Even a single missing tile can cause significant internal water damage. 2. Damage from Falling Trees or Branches During storms, heavy branches or entire trees can fall onto roofs, sheds, cars, or fences. Even if the tree comes from a neighbour’s garden, the affected homeowner typically files the claim. 3. Chimney and Masonry Problems High winds often affect older brickwork. Chimney pots, flues, and masonry can shift or crack, which may lead to structural concerns or water ingress. 4. Water Penetration from Wind-Driven Rain Strong winds push rainwater into places where it would not normally reach, such as under flashings, through vents, or into roof edges. This can cause stained ceilings, damp walls, mould growth, and damaged plaster. What To Do After a Storm 1. Assess the damage safely The first priority is safety. Avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, inspect the property from the ground or use a phone camera with zoom. 2. Document the condition of the property Take detailed photos and videos of missing tiles, broken gutters, fallen branches, cracks, and interior water damage. High-quality documentation helps strengthen an insurance claim. 3. Make temporary protective measures Cover open areas with tarps or strong plastic sheets to prevent more rain from entering the home. Insurers expect you to limit additional damage, but they also expect you to avoid permanent repairs until the inspection is completed. 4. Notify the insurer quickly Reporting storm damage promptly is important. Delays can lead insurers to argue that the damage might be due to poor maintenance instead of the storm.  Frequent Causes of Claim Reductions Insurers sometimes reduce or decline storm-related claims for reasons such as poor maintenance, insufficient evidence, or pre-existing damage. For example, if gutters were already blocked or roof tiles were already loose, insurers may argue that the damage was not caused solely by the storm. Storm and wind damage may be unavoidable, but losing out on a valid insurance claim does not have to be. Proper documentation, prompt reporting, and expert support can help you secure a fair outcome. If you need assistance with a storm damage claim or want a professional assessment, Property Damage Loss Assessors can help you navigate the process. Call James today to discuss your storm damage and get reliable guidance for your claim.