Expert: James Ball - 12/23/2009

Question
Hello, today dec23, we lit our wood stove and I noticed alot of smoke outside, I saw flames coming out of the top of the chimney it lasted maybe 4min, then it went out. I checked through the clean out trap on the bottom of the chimney with a mirror and saw no flames inside, I also took the pipe off from the inside of the house and saw no more flame, Now Can I still use my woodstove or should I not use it? Please keep in mind we have no money to get it cleaned .

Answer
Hello Jamie, DO NOT USE IT AT ALL until it is cleaned and check by a certified chimney sweep (www.csia.org) you are lucky you did not burn your house down, and when you took the pipes apart you could have given it more air and caused more damage or even some ones death.
I know money is tight but so if life and your home (even if it is rented you could still lose every thing you own in a house fire) Next time you see flames call your local fire department/911 they do not charge to put out a fire and small chimney fire is easier than a whole house fire.
please have a Safe and Happy Holiday
James