9 signs that you’ve had a chimney fire

The cold weather has some families starting to get their fireplaces going to stay warm.

The Chimney Safety Institute of America says it’s vital to have a chimney inspected on a regular basis.

Experts say chimney fires can happen at a home without a family ever realizing it which could put them and the house in danger.

Officials say these are the nine signs of a chimney fire:

• “Puffy” or “honey combed” creosote
• Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney
• Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles with large chunks missing
• Discolored and/or distorted rain cap
• Heat-damaged TV antenna attached to the chimney
• Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground
• Roofing material damaged from hot creosote
• Cracks in exterior masonry
• Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners

Cox Media Group