Close valves and hatches
If you discover a chimney fire, close all stove valves and hatches leading to the chimney. If there is no fire in the fireplace, you can also close the fireplace damper. If there is a fire in the fireplace, do not close the damper. Then the smoke will enter the room.
Avoid spread
At the floor dividers, wood and other flammable materials come close to the chimney. When there is a fire in the chimney, this can catch fire. Therefore, pay extra attention to smoke development at the floor dividers and keep a close eye on the attic and basement. If you notice that the fire is spreading in the floor dividers, you can try extinguishing it with water or a fire extinguisher.
Extinguishing a chimney fire
You should leave the extinguishing of chimney fires to the fire service. Call the emergency number 110. If you are at the cabin or it is far to the nearest fire department, you can try to dampen the fire with a powder apparatus while you wait. Carefully open the soot hatch at the bottom of the chimney and guide the hose from the appliance into the chimney. Press the shutter release, but only let a little powder come out. Close the hatch. Repeat this if the fire picks up again.
How to use a powder apparatus on a chimney fire:
- Carefully open the soot hatch.
- Guide the hose into the chimney.
- Press the shutter button for a few seconds.
- Close the hatch.
- Repeat if the fire picks up again.
Evacuate in time
Remember not to put yourself in danger. You must always evacuate before it becomes dangerous to stay inside.
After the fire, the chimney must be checked by the fire and chimney sweeping service.