What to Do After a Chimney Fire NZ — Recovery Guide
Step-by-step recovery after a NZ chimney fire — what to do in the first 24 hours, how to document the damage for insurance, what the CCTV inspection reveals, typical repair costs, and how to never have a second one.
Quick Answer
If your chimney is on fire right now, call 111. If the fire is out: get everyone outside, don't relight, photograph the damage, call your insurer within 24 hours, and book a CCTV inspection. Recovery takes 2-6 weeks. Insurance typically covers $2,000-$15,000 of repairs — but only if you have a current chimney sweep certificate from within the last 12 months.
Key Answers
- My chimney is on fire — what do I do right now?
- Call 111 immediately. Get everyone out. Close the firebox door if safe to starve the fire of oxygen. Don't pour water down the flue — it can crack a hot flue and cause a steam explosion. Wait for FENZ.
- The fire is out. What's the first thing I should do?
- Don't relight the fire — even small subsequent fires can re-ignite hidden creosote. Photograph everything (exterior, roof, firebox, walls), call your insurance company within 24 hours, and book a CCTV chimney inspection.
- Will my insurance pay for the damage?
- Almost certainly yes if you have a chimney sweep certificate from within the last 12 months (FMG, AA, IAG, Tower, Vero all require this). Without one, your claim may be reduced or denied. File the claim regardless — most disputes are negotiable with documented maintenance history.
- How long until I can use my fireplace again?
- Typically 2-6 weeks. CCTV inspection takes 1-2 weeks to book + a week for the report; repairs take 1-3 weeks. Don't relight without a written all-clear from a certified sweep.
- How much will repairs cost?
- $2,000-$15,000 is typical. Light damage: $500-$2,000. Moderate (flashing, gaskets, cap): $2,000-$5,000. Severe (flue liner, masonry): $8,000-$25,000+. Insurance covers most of it if you're documented.
Key Takeaways
- Call 111 if fire is active. Don't pour water down the flue.
- Don't relight the fire — even days later — until a CCTV inspection clears the flue
- Photograph everything and call your insurer within 24 hours
- An annual sweep certificate is the single biggest factor in claim approval
- Recovery is 2-6 weeks; typical repair cost is $2,000-$15,000
How do I know if I had a chimney fire?
Common signs: a neighbour reported flames or sparks from your chimney top, unusual roaring noise from the flue, dense black smoke, distorted or partially missing flue cap, scorch marks on flashing, soot deposits on the roof, unusual smoke smell that persists.
Common signs: a neighbour reported flames or sparks from your chimney top, unusual roaring noise from the flue, dense black smoke, distorted or partially missing flue cap, scorch marks on flashing, soot deposits on the roof, unusual smoke smell that persists. Slow-burning chimney fires are often only diagnosed later by visible flue or flashing damage.
Should I clean the firebox before the inspection?
No.
No. Soot patterns and ash deposits are evidence the inspector and insurance loss adjuster need. Wait until after the CCTV inspection and any insurance assessor visit before cleaning anything.
Why is a CCTV inspection mandatory after a fire?
A camera goes the full length of the flue and records video — the only way to see internal cracks, distortion, or liner damage that can't be reached by hand.
A camera goes the full length of the flue and records video — the only way to see internal cracks, distortion, or liner damage that can't be reached by hand. Insurance requires the report; safety requires the verification before relighting.
What if my insurance claim is denied?
Three escalation paths: (1) the insurer's internal complaints process, (2) the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) — free, binding for claims under ~$200k, (3) Disputes Tribunal for under $30k.
Three escalation paths: (1) the insurer's internal complaints process, (2) the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) — free, binding for claims under ~$200k, (3) Disputes Tribunal for under $30k. Most disputes settle at the internal complaints stage if you have documented chimney maintenance.
Can I keep using the fireplace while waiting for repairs?
Absolutely not.
Absolutely not. Even minor flue damage can let combustion gases or sparks into the wall cavity, causing a delayed structural fire days or weeks later. Wait for the written all-clear from a certified sweep.
How do I prevent a second chimney fire?
Three habits eliminate 95% of risk: annual sweep with written certificate; burn dry wood under 25% moisture; don't smoulder fires overnight (run hot, run short).
Three habits eliminate 95% of risk: annual sweep with written certificate; burn dry wood under 25% moisture; don't smoulder fires overnight (run hot, run short). CCTV inspection every 3-5 years catches problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I had a chimney fire?
Common signs: a neighbour reported flames or sparks from your chimney top, unusual roaring noise from the flue, dense black smoke, distorted or partially missing flue cap, scorch marks on flashing, soot deposits on the roof, unusual smoke smell that persists. Slow-burning chimney fires are often only diagnosed later by visible flue or flashing damage.
Should I clean the firebox before the inspection?
No. Soot patterns and ash deposits are evidence the inspector and insurance loss adjuster need. Wait until after the CCTV inspection and any insurance assessor visit before cleaning anything.
Why is a CCTV inspection mandatory after a fire?
A camera goes the full length of the flue and records video — the only way to see internal cracks, distortion, or liner damage that can't be reached by hand. Insurance requires the report; safety requires the verification before relighting.
What if my insurance claim is denied?
Three escalation paths: (1) the insurer's internal complaints process, (2) the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) — free, binding for claims under ~$200k, (3) Disputes Tribunal for under $30k. Most disputes settle at the internal complaints stage if you have documented chimney maintenance.
Can I keep using the fireplace while waiting for repairs?
Absolutely not. Even minor flue damage can let combustion gases or sparks into the wall cavity, causing a delayed structural fire days or weeks later. Wait for the written all-clear from a certified sweep.
How do I prevent a second chimney fire?
Three habits eliminate 95% of risk: annual sweep with written certificate; burn dry wood under 25% moisture; don't smoulder fires overnight (run hot, run short). CCTV inspection every 3-5 years catches problems early.
Need a chimney sweep?
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