Homeowner Accidentally Sets House on Fire While Trying To Light Fireplace: How To Avoid the Same Fate

A chilly evening in Jackson, MS, turned into a fiery mess when a homeowner accidentally set his home on fire while trying to light his fireplace.

Thankfully, he escaped without injury, though the home suffered significant damage. 

With colder temperatures setting in, there are some important lessons about fireplace safety and maintenance other homeowners should keep in mind, especially if you want to avoid costly damage.

Before you light your fireplace for the first time

Local news didn’t provide details on why this homeowner’s fireplace backfired, but there are a few likely scenarios. 

Your fireplace can actually get too hot, and a fire can become uncontainable if it starts over-firing. This usually happens when too much fuel, like an excess of wood, is added all at once.

Improper airflow is another common cause. The damper can cause problems whether it’s too open or too closed. 

If it’s open too wide, too much oxygen can feed the fire, making it burn hotter than necessary. If it’s closed, smoke and ash can escape into your home. Managing the airflow properly is key if you have a fireplace.

How to keep your fireplace safe 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends a professional inspection and cleaning once a year before your first fire—especially if the fireplace has been unused for a while. If you live in a warmer climate where your fireplace sits idle most of the year, it’s a good idea to have an expert take a look.

You might want a professional on hand anyway, since animals sometimes take up residence in unused chimneys. Small birds, squirrels, rats, and even raccoons have been known to nest inside, and you’ll definitely want to remove them before lighting a fire.

If you’re feeling brave, there are a few basic checks you can do yourself before calling in a professional.

For starters, check the damper. Open and close it a few times to make sure it moves freely and seals properly when shut.

Then, with the damper open, you can test the airflow by holding a lit match or lighter inside the firebox. The flame should pull upward slightly.

But be warned: If you notice heavy soot or a shiny black coating of creosote, don’t light a fire. Call a certified chimney expert.

What a fire can cost you

According to Thumbtack.com, costs can average anywhere from $4,700 to $6,500 to recover and restore your home after a small fire. Larger fires that destroy your roof or kitchen can cost as much as $50,000.

To that end, only certain fires are covered by typical homeowners insurance. 

“Homeowners insurance typically covers fires from faulty wiring, electrical issues, gas explosions, and certain natural disasters like lightning strikes,” explains Peter Piotrowski, chief claims officer at Hippo. 

When specifically considering a fireplace blaze that gets out of control, Piotrowski says insurance should cover the damage in most cases.

“If a fireplace or chimney unexpectedly catches fire, your homeowner’s insurance policy may provide coverage unless arson with intent to damage the home is involved,” he explains. 

As for what your insurance will actually cover, Piotrowski says it will depend on your policy. 

There may be some limitations in areas prone to fire, like wildfires. Additionally, if you’re insuring a vacant home, insurance typically won’t cover that home if it was empty for more than 30 days before the start of the fire. Structural repair and damaged property reimbursement are pretty standard, but some policies will also cover food and temporary housing while repairs are ongoing.

But the best way to ensure your insurance will kick in is to do your due diligence. 

“With winter approaching, homeowners can help reduce the risk of damage or injury by properly maintaining their fireplace including regular cleaning of the fireplace, chimney, and flue,” Piotrowski says. “Neglecting maintenance may also affect a claim’s eligibility if an incident occurs.”

“Putting in the time for regular chimney maintenance or hiring a professional cleaner can be far less costly than facing the emotional and financial repercussions of a house fire.”