Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires, and third leading cause of home fire deaths. Per NFPA(National Fire Protection Association) Chimney fires account for 8% of heating equipment home fires, 6% of civilian deaths, 4% of civilian injuries and 26% of direct property damage. Here at Tangent Fire, we do not want to be apart of any of these statistics, we want to make sure that you are aware of the dangerous of chimneys and what you can do to prevent any fires. 

A majority of these chimney fires are due to creosote (Creosote -  Tar that is created by a mixture of chemicals exposed to high-temperature)  buildup. To combat this buildup you will require to clean your chimney annually.

The best way to clean your chimney is by hiring a professional, but  if you don't want to hire a professional then you may clean it yourself with the correct tools:

• A correctly sized chimney brush for your flue 
• Drop cloths or tarps 
• Protective gloves, goggles and dust mask 
• Extension rods for the brush 
• A flashlight 
• A dust pan with a broom and/or a shop vacuum 
• A sturdy ladder
• A helmet 
• Non slip shoes 

Once you have gathered you tools, then you can learn on how to properly clean your chimney. Below are a few online recources that show you on how to clean your chimney: 

The Home Depot - How to clean a chimney

Nationwide - How to clean a chimney

Stone Hearth Firewood - How to clean your chimney

If at any point you feel as if the task is more difficult then expected, contact one of the various chimney cleaning experts.