Within the context of chimney fires, there exist a few basic types of fires.There are good fires and there are bad fires. Good fires help preserve the integrity of the flue and chimney system, while bad fires can destroy the system, and cause a chimney fire.

In the last three issues of The Investigative Engineer, we have introduced you to the subtleties of chimneys, fireplaces, and the developments that could result in large losses due to fires. In addition, we have used past events to illustrate the need for a comprehensive, objective evaluation of chimneys and fireplaces. The evaluation is important in order to make an informed decision when it comes to repairing or replacing chimneys and fireplaces that have been determined to have been involved in the cause of a fire. Equally important is the need for a "second opinion" when it comes to evaluating the need for replacing or removing a "dangerous" wood-burning fireplace with a "safer" gas-log fireplace.

This is the third article in a series on the topic of fireplace & chimney maintenance, fires, gas conversions and more. In the last article we discussed masonry fireplaces and chimneys, their care and use. This article will introduce pre-fab or zero-clearance fireplaces.

This is the second in a series of articles on the topic of fireplace and chimney maintenance, fires, gas conversions and more.

In this issue and over the next several months The Investigative Engineer will discuss the trend towards fireplace and chimney gas conversions, maintenance, chimney fires and more.