Different communities, different fire histories
The Woolsey Fire reached Malibu in 2018 and burned 96,949 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The 2017 Thomas Fire burned 281,893 acres across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, close to Montecito. In Orange County, the 2022 Coastal Fire burned 200 acres between Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach and destroyed 20 homes.
The 2024 Franklin Fire burned 4,086 acres in Malibu. These fires did not prove that any particular chimney failed. They are a reminder to check the parts of a home that can be exposed to embers and to follow local fire guidance.
Why the roof and chimney top deserve a look
California fire guidance identifies wind-blown embers as a common cause of home ignition. Embers can collect in leaves and other debris on a roof or in gutters, and they can enter gaps or vents.
Look from the ground for a cap that appears loose, tilted or missing, and for a damaged or blocked spark-arrestor screen. Do not climb onto the roof. Ask a professional to assess anything you cannot see safely.
The cap, crown and nearby roof area
For a wood-burning fireplace, ask whether the cap and spark arrestor are intact and suitable for that chimney. California fire-safety guidance recommends a spark-arrestor screen with openings between 3/8 and 1/2 inch for chimney outlets. A technician can check the applicable requirements for your solid-fuel chimney and any local amendments.
The masonry crown is a different component from the cap. If you can see cracking or missing material from a safe position, document it and ask whether water entry needs investigation. Keep leaves and other combustible debris off the roof and out of gutters when it is safe to do so.
Check fire weather and burn restrictions
A Red Flag Warning signals heightened fire danger; it is not itself the same thing as a mandatory residential No-Burn alert. Avoid unnecessary wood fires during severe fire weather, follow the local fire authority, and check the applicable air district before lighting a wood-burning fireplace.
South Coast AQMD issues separate No-Burn alerts that restrict residential wood burning in the South Coast Air Basin when they are in effect. Rules and exemptions depend on the address and the current alert.
If the condition is uncertain
For new customers, Tier1 offers a free visual chimney inspection and leak check with a professional written photo report. Drone-assisted exterior images depend on safe access, weather and airspace rules. A formal Level 2 camera scan is a separate service.
Use the contact options on this page to describe the fireplace, your location and what you can see safely. The actual condition and any repair scope should be confirmed at the property.
Further reading
- CAL FIRE: Woolsey Fire
- City of Malibu: Woolsey Fire rebuilding history
- CAL FIRE: Thomas Fire
- Orange County Fire Authority: Coastal Fire history
- CAL FIRE: Franklin Fire
- Office of the State Fire Marshal: Building in the Wildland
- CAL FIRE: Hardening your home
- South Coast AQMD: No-Burn alerts
Independent educational resources. A source link does not imply certification, affiliation, or endorsement.
Tier1 Chimney Repair & Service
The chimney inspection and leak check is free for new customers, with a written photo report the same day. Request a free inspection for new customers
- Tier1 Chimney Repair & service26060 Acero, Mission Viejo, CA 92691(949) 602-7844Directions on Google Maps
- Tier1 Chimney Anaheim121 N State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806(657) 758-3030Directions on Google Maps
- Tier1 Chimney Newport Beach260 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660(949) 867-4302Directions on Google Maps
- Tier1 Chimney Repair & Service770 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010(805) 586-9535Directions on Google Maps