This impact

is demonstrated by recent statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety

Commission. According to the CPSC there were 18,300 residential fires

in the United States in 1998 originating in chimneys, fireplaces and solid

fuel appliances. These fires resulted in 160 personal injuries, 40 deaths

and $158.2 million in property damage.

In addition

to an annual inspection, the CSIA recommends these tips for reducing the

threat of a chimney fire:

Add a chimney

cap to the top of your chimney. A cap can keep out damaging moisture,

which wears away masonry and other metal components within a chimney.

Ensure that

your chimney has an appropriate liner. Chimney liners are required in

new construction to separate system emissions from the structure of your

home.

Have chimney

flashing (the seal between the chimney and the roof) inspected and maintained.

Flashing prevents rain water and snow melt from entering a house and causing

costly damage to walls and ceilings.

The National

Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also recommends that all chimneys be

inspected on an annual basis to prevent chimney fires. The CSIA adds that

the best choice for a professional is a sweep certified by the Chimney

Safety Institute of America.

Each fall,

CSIA-certified chimney sweeps work together to raise awareness of chimney

safety during National Chimney Safety Week, which begins this year on

Sept. 29 and runs through Oct. 5.

For more information

about preventing chimney hazards or for a free copy of the brochure "Chimney

Inspections Explained for the Homeowner" call (800) 536-0118 or visit

the CSIA Web site at www.csia.org. The CSIA also provides a list of CSIA

certified chimney sweeps online and by mail.

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