What is the biggest trigger of chimney fires?
Dirty chimneys are the leading cause of chimney fires, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. In the absence of proper care and maintenance, hazardous creosote (the leftover residue from lighting a cozy fire in your hearth) may build up inside your chimney and become combustible. Having your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year is the best way to avoid this dangerous accumulation of materials.