7 Critical Steps After a Chimney Fire in Murfreesboro: What to Do Before the Damage Spreads

By Juan Rodriguez Chimney LLC Team · Updated October 28, 2026

After a chimney fire in Murfreesboro, your first steps are to cool the chimney, call a licensed chimney sweep, and inspect for hidden damage, especially in older brick homes where mortar and liners may be compromised. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a Level 2 inspection within 48 hours to catch cracks or corrosion before they lead to further fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Never use the fireplace until a professional clears the debris and verifies safety.

1. A chimney inspection is a thorough, camera-assisted check of your chimney’s interior, including liners, joints, and flue, to spot fire damage, cracks, or blockages that aren’t visible from outside.

If your Murfreesboro home’s chimney has suffered a fire, the damage might not be obvious. Older brick chimneys, common in neighborhoods like Old Fort Park or near downtown, often hide cracks in the mortar or corrosion in stainless-steel liners until it’s too late. A Level 2 inspection, where a chimney sweep uses a camera to examine the flue from top to bottom, is non-negotiable. This isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about verifying whether your chimney’s structure can still contain heat safely.

In Murfreesboro’s humid summers and freeze-thaw cycles, water intrusion through even small cracks can weaken brickwork over time. If the inspection reveals spalling (flaking bricks) or rust tracks on the liner, those are red flags for imminent failure. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that 90% of chimney fires start from undetected creosote buildup or damaged liners, so don’t skip this step. Schedule a Level 2 inspection with Juan Rodriguez Chimney LLC to get a licensed professional’s eyes on your system before winter, when fires are most likely to recur.

2. Cool the chimney completely before touching anything, even a warm chimney can reignite embers or release toxic gases.

Here’s a mistake Murfreesboro homeowners make after a chimney fire: rushing to inspect or clean the debris while the chimney is still warm. Even if the fire’s out, residual heat can cause smoldering creosote to flare up again, or worse, release carbon monoxide if the flue is blocked. Let the chimney cool for at least 24 hours before attempting any work. If you smell gas or see smoke, do not enter the attic or basement and call us immediately.

Pro tip: If your chimney has a single-wall liner (common in homes built before the 1980s), it’s more vulnerable to heat damage. These liners can warp or even collapse under extreme heat, creating gaps that let smoke and gases into your home. Our team specializes in repairing and upgrading older liners to meet modern safety standards, especially critical in Murfreesboro’s older neighborhoods where brick chimneys often lack proper insulation.

While waiting, keep pets and children away from the area. Soot from a chimney fire contains toxic chemicals, and disturbed debris can release fine particles that irritate lungs. Open windows to ventilate the space, but avoid touching the ash or debris yourself, it can hide sharp metal fragments from collapsed liners.

3. Assess the damage to your chimney cap, crown, and brickwork, these are the first lines of defense against future fires.

A chimney fire often leaves visible damage to the cap (the metal top) and crown (the concrete or brick seal at the base of the flue). In Murfreesboro’s rainy season, a cracked crown lets water seep into the masonry, accelerating deterioration. Look for: - Warped or melted metal on the cap (a sign the fire reached extreme temperatures). - Crumbling mortar joints between bricks (common in older homes where lime mortar has degraded). - Holes or gaps in the crown where water can enter.

If the cap is twisted or the crown has large cracks, these need immediate repair. A damaged cap won’t protect your chimney from bird nests, debris, or rain, all of which contribute to future fires. The EPA’s Burn Wise program notes that proper chimney caps reduce fire risk by 80%, so this isn’t just a cosmetic fix.

For brickwork, check for spalling (bricks popping off) or efflorescence (white, powdery residue). If you see these, your chimney’s integrity is compromised. Juan Rodriguez Chimney LLC repairs and restores brick chimneys using historically accurate mortar mixes for older homes, ensuring your repairs match the original construction. Skipping this step can lead to structural failure during Murfreesboro’s winter ice storms.

4. Determine whether your chimney liner needs replacement, this is the #1 factor in preventing another fire.

The liner is your chimney’s fireproof barrier, and if it’s damaged, your home is at risk. After a fire, liners often develop: - Rust streaks (from heat warping stainless steel). - Bulges or kinks (where the metal has softened). - Cracks or holes (allowing smoke to enter the masonry).

Older homes in Murfreesboro, especially those built before 1990, often have clay or single-wall liners, which are far less durable than modern double-wall insulated liners. If your liner shows any of the above signs, it must be replaced. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) warns that a damaged liner is the leading cause of repeat chimney fires.

The cost to replace a liner in Murfreesboro ranges from $1,200 to $3,500, depending on height and access. However, the long-term cost of not replacing it, structural damage, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a worse fire, is far higher. We offer free estimates for liner replacements and work with insurance adjusters to streamline claims for fire-related damage.

5. Check for soot and creosote buildup in the flue, this is fuel for the next fire.

Even after a fire, creosote (the sticky, tar-like residue from burning wood) remains in your flue, acting like kindling for the next blaze. Murfreesboro’s dry winters and older homes with uninsulated flues make creosote buildup worse. There are three stages of creosote: 1. Dry, flaky (can be brushed out). 2. Tar-like (requires chemical treatment). 3. Hard, glassy (a fire hazard that must be scraped out).

If your chimney fire was severe, the flue likely has Stage 2 or 3 creosote, which requires professional removal. DIY tools like brushes won’t cut it, you need a rotary chimney cleaning tool or chemical cleaner applied by a certified sweep. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends annual sweeping for homes that burn wood regularly, but after a fire, two cleanings in one season may be necessary.

Our crew uses state-of-the-art tools to remove creosote safely, including video inspections to ensure no debris remains. Skipping this step is like leaving a match in your fireplace, it’s only a matter of time before another fire starts.

6. Inspect your fireplace and hearth for hidden damage, brick, tile, and even the floor may need repair.

The fireplace itself often takes a beating during a chimney fire. Check for: - Cracked or bulging firebox walls (a sign the heat exceeded safe limits). - Damaged hearth tiles (which can trap heat and cause floor fires). - Warped or melted damper (a fire hazard if it doesn’t close properly).

In older Murfreesboro homes, lime mortar in fireplaces can weaken under extreme heat, leading to brick spalling or joint separation. If you see blackened or discolored bricks, they’ve absorbed heat beyond their capacity. The hearth itself might need releveling or replacement if the concrete has cracked.

Never ignore fireplace damage, even small cracks can let carbon monoxide into your living space. We repair fireplaces using traditional brickwork techniques to match your home’s original style, ensuring both safety and aesthetics. If your fireplace was built before 1980, it may also lack proper clearance to combustible materials, increasing fire risk. Our team can assess and upgrade your fireplace setup to meet current codes.

7. File an insurance claim, document everything and act fast before repairs are forgotten.

Chimney fires are covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies, but you must act quickly. Start by: 1. Taking photos of all damage (chimney, fireplace, ceiling stains, soot in vents). 2. Saving receipts for any temporary fixes (e.g., boarding up a damaged cap). 3. Getting multiple estimates, insurers often require this to approve claims.

Murfreesboro’s insurance adjusters are familiar with older brick home claims, but they may dispute costs if repairs aren’t documented. Juan Rodriguez Chimney LLC provides detailed reports for insurance claims, including before-and-after photos and material lists. Common claim denials happen when homeowners: - Delay reporting (waiting weeks to file). - Underestimate repair costs (e.g., only claiming the cap but missing liner damage). - Use unlicensed contractors (insurers may reject subpar work).

The average chimney fire repair claim in Tennessee ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on whether the liner, crown, or masonry needs work. We work directly with adjusters to maximize your claim, so you don’t get stuck with out-of-pocket expenses. Don’t assume your policy covers everything, review it with your agent before starting repairs.

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