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us Home & property emergencies fireplace backdraft smoke • wood stove smoke inside • smoke coming into house • chimney not drafting • flue downdraft problem • backpuffing wood stove • fireplace fills room with smoke • soot smell indoors • carbon monoxide concern • co alarm went off • chimney blockage suspected • animal nest in chimney • damper closed mistake • tight house negative pressure • exhaust fan causing backdraft • smoke after lighting fire • unsure why stove smokes • stop using fireplace now

What to do if…
your fireplace or stove backdrafts smoke into the room and you’re unsure why

Short answer

Stop using the fireplace/stove and move everyone outside to fresh air — treat it as a possible carbon monoxide hazard until a qualified professional says it’s safe.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep burning “to push the smoke out” or keep relighting to test it.
  • Do not assume a CO alarm is a false alarm.
  • Do not close up the room to contain smoke (reduced ventilation can increase risk).
  • Do not try roof work, chimney poking, or disassembly while the system is hot/smoky.
  • Do not run kitchen/bath exhaust fans or a clothes dryer to “pull smoke out” — they can worsen backdrafting.
  • Do not use the appliance again until it’s inspected and the cause is fixed.

What to do now

  1. Make it safe to stop the smoke source. Stop adding fuel. Close the stove door. If it’s a gas appliance and you can do so safely, turn it off.
  2. Move everyone to fresh air immediately. Go outside (take pets). If you can do so without delaying exit, open a door/window as you leave to help clear smoke.
  3. If anyone has symptoms, call 911. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, confusion, chest pain, weakness, or fainting.
  4. If a CO alarm sounded, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 from outside. Do a head count. Do not re-enter until emergency responders say it’s safe.
  5. If you suspect a gas-related problem, call your gas utility emergency line. Call from outside or a neighbor’s phone and follow instructions.
  6. Reduce obvious backdraft triggers only after you’re safely out. Turn off exhaust fans and avoid running the dryer. Don’t go back in to “test” the fireplace or stove.
  7. Arrange the right inspection before you use it again.
    • Chimney/fireplace/wood stove: schedule a chimney inspection/cleaning with a CSIA-certified chimney sweep/inspector (or equivalent qualified local professional) to check for blockage, creosote buildup, flue liner damage, cap issues, or unsafe venting.
    • Gas fireplace/heater: schedule a qualified technician to inspect combustion/venting and address any backdrafting/CO concerns.
  8. If you think there may be an active fire risk, call 911. Examples: loud roaring from the chimney, sparks/embers, flames where they shouldn’t be, or rapidly intensifying heat/smoke.

What can wait

  • You do not need to troubleshoot the cause right now (blockage, cold flue, wind effects, or home air-pressure imbalance are all possibilities).
  • You do not need to clean soot immediately; focus on safety, fresh air, and inspection first.
  • You do not need to decide about upgrades (caps, liners, outside-air kits) until a pro identifies the cause.

Important reassurance

This can happen suddenly even if the fireplace or stove “worked fine before.” Taking it seriously and getting into fresh air is the right move.

Scope note

These are first steps for the next minutes to hours. Identifying and fixing the root cause requires on-site inspection and may involve venting, chimney condition, makeup air, or appliance servicing.

Important note

This is general information, not a substitute for emergency responders or a qualified inspector/technician. If anyone feels unwell, if a CO alarm sounds, or if you suspect a gas issue, seek urgent help and do not use the appliance again until it’s been checked.

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