How to make a fire in the wild, without burning the ground?

Fireplace - chimney fire

• QUESTION: Last weekend I had a chimney fire. The fire lasted 1 to 2 minutes before I was able to extinguish it. I closed the flue damper which seemed to immediately put out the fire. I then doused the burning logs in the firebox, closed the outside air vent and closed the glass doors. I then hosed down the roof around the chimney. After the fire was out, I opened the damper and to let the steaming smoke escape and a large amount of chimney debris and soot fell into the fireplace. The house is 12 years old and we have never had the chimney cleaned. We live in north Florida and use our fireplace regularly from December through February. I have not used the fireplace since. I had a CSIA sweep come to the house for an inspection. He looked up the flue and said the metal had turned brown therefore it was damaged and needed to be replaced. He did not cite any holes or other abnormalities. He did not look from the top. He said they no longer make this fireplace but he would check if he could find replacement parts otherwise an entirely new fireplace is needed. Does his assessment sound correct? I have another certified sweep coming to the house next week. ANSWER: always call the fire department if you even think you are having a fire of any kind, especially a chimney fire they can burn through a wall and smolder for hours, do not take chances with your family and home. as far as the chimney goes lets see what the other Certified sweep says (I always tell my customers to get a second opinion., maybe 3rd. If the pipe or system is compromised it must be replaced remember this is not masonry chimney but what they call a PreFab (from what you describe) please keep me posted but lets see what the other sweep or two say. ---------- FOLLOW-UP ---------- QUESTION: The second sweep examined the chimney from the top and bottom and said the flue was separating and needed to be replaced. He said the flue showed signs of rust from condensation but did not say anything about its strength. The prefab fireplace is a Marco brand. If this fireplace is no longer made can substitute parts be used for the flue replacement? I am attaching photos of the flue from the firebox. It appears that the flue pipe is inside the flange of the firebox. Is this correct?

• Answer:

  Welcome back Bob, from the picture you sent it looks like the pipe is buckled and warped, if so this must be replaced, I do not know if they make a replacement pipe for that fireplace if not then you have to replace it all. Do not use this fireplace any more. sorry I know you where hoping for a different answer but it is your home and family s safety do not take a chance.