The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and The National Chimney Safety Institute of America (NCSI) recommend inspections every twelve months or following the burning of a full cord of wood. A 1/8” of creosote buildup can cause a fire within the flue of your fireplace and rapidly enter your home through the fireplace opening. Thousands of fires are caused each year by poorly maintained chimneys. Regular chimney sweeping and structural inspections will help to ensure the safety of your family and home from this potential disaster.