When was the last time you checked your chimney? Last year? Never? You may be playing with fire (literally!) Today you'll learn how to check your flue; what to look for and what to do to avoid problems. There is no rule for when it's 'time? to clean. Rather, it's based on creosote buildup that collects on chimney walls when wood burns incompletely. A 'smoky' fire emits tar vapors that condense inside the flue, and over time it glows red hot and can lead to a serious chimney fire. Step one in care and prevention is adequate air. That encourages a hot, clean burning fire. To visually check your flue, scratch both the chimney walls and the damper with a poker. If the creosote is paper thin, you're okay. If it's 1/8th inch thick, schedule a cleaning soon, and if it's 1/4-inch or more, do not use the fireplace again until it's cleaned, as a fire could occur at any time! If cleaning is needed, remember to hire a pro that's certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.