WIDENCHIMNEY & VENT
ServicesBlogBook Online (224) 343-1991
Widen Chicago Chimney & Vent Co.

Emergency Chimney Service Chicago — Rapid Response

Chicago chimney emergency? Stop using your fireplace immediately and call (224) 343-1991. We respond to chimney fires, storm damage, carbon monoxide hazards, and smoke backdraft emergencies across Chicago and 100+ suburbs.

Call (224) 343-1991Free Estimate
Licensed & Insured
4.9★ Google Rating
Same-Week Scheduling
100+ Suburbs Served
Starting price: Call for Pricing
Upfront pricing · No hidden fees · Free estimates for repairs

For active chimney fires or gas emergencies — call 911 first.

After emergency services have cleared the scene, call Widen Chicago at (224) 343-1991 for a certified post-emergency inspection before using your fireplace again.

What Counts as a Chimney Emergency?

Not every chimney problem needs same-day service — but these do:

Active or recent chimney fire
Even if it appears to have gone out, a chimney fire may have cracked your flue liner and spread heat to adjacent framing. Do not use the fireplace. Call immediately.
Carbon monoxide detector alarm while using fireplace
Evacuate the home and call 911. A blocked or damaged flue can force CO into living spaces. Do not re-enter until cleared and inspected.
Storm damage — falling bricks, displaced cap, visible cracks
Chicago storms can shift or collapse chimney tops. Loose masonry is a structural hazard. We tarp and stabilize the same day.
Smoke entering the home through the fireplace
Sudden backdrafting can indicate a blocked flue, collapsed liner, or animal intrusion. We clear blockages and inspect the flue the same day.
Visible chimney leaning or separation from house
A chimney pulling away from the exterior wall is a structural failure. Do not use the fireplace. We assess and stabilize before any further damage occurs.

Emergency Chimney Service Cost

ServiceStarting Price
Same-day emergency inspection (Level 2)$249
Post-chimney-fire inspection & report$299
Emergency cap replacement$299
Emergency tarping / storm stabilization$199
Emergency flue blockage clearing$249
Emergency mortar repair / brick stabilizationFree estimate on-site

All emergency services include a written estimate before work begins. No surprise charges.

What Happens After a Chimney Fire

A chimney fire burns at temperatures up to 2,000°F — hot enough to crack flue tiles, warp dampers, and ignite the wood framing around the chimney. Many chimney fires go undetected because they burn inside the flue without any visible smoke or flame from outside.

After any chimney fire — even a small one — you need a Level 2 inspection with HD camera before using the fireplace again. Our certified technicians document the damage, provide an insurance-compatible photo report, and give you a clear repair plan. Most homeowners insurance policies cover chimney fire damage; we help you build the documentation your claim requires.

Emergency Service Area — Chicago & Suburbs

We provide same-day emergency chimney service across all of Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area — including the North Shore (Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest), Northwest Suburbs, and West Suburbs. Call (224) 343-1991 for immediate dispatch. Our trucks are fully stocked for most emergency repairs on the first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a chimney emergency?
A chimney emergency is any situation that poses an immediate safety risk: a chimney fire (roaring noise, dense smoke, intense heat), carbon monoxide symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness when fireplace is in use), a chimney collapse or partial collapse, severe storm damage to the chimney crown or cap, or sudden smoke backdrafting into your home that cannot be stopped by closing the damper.
What should I do if I have a chimney fire?
Call 911 immediately. Close the damper to cut off oxygen to the fire. Do not pour water into the fireplace. Evacuate your home. Once the fire department clears the scene, do not use the fireplace until a certified chimney sweep performs a Level 2 inspection. Chimney fires often damage the flue liner in ways that are invisible but create serious CO and re-ignition hazards.
How quickly can you respond to a chimney emergency in Chicago?
Widen Chicago prioritizes emergency calls. In most cases, we can respond within 24 hours for urgent situations. For active chimney fires, call 911 first — we handle the post-fire inspection and repair. Call us at (224) 343-1991 for emergency scheduling.
Can I use my fireplace after storm damage to my chimney?
No. Stop using the fireplace immediately if you notice missing mortar, a damaged or missing cap, shifted chimney structure, water in the firebox, or debris inside the flue after a storm. These conditions create fire and carbon monoxide hazards. Call for an emergency inspection before resuming use.
How much does emergency chimney repair cost?
Emergency chimney service calls start at $199 for an after-hours inspection. Repairs are quoted on-site based on scope. Cap replacement runs $200–$500. Emergency crown repair or tarping runs $300–$700. Structural emergency repairs requiring scaffolding or immediate rebuilding are quoted after inspection.
Is it safe to use a fireplace with carbon monoxide detector alarms?
No. If your CO detector triggers during fireplace use, close the damper, leave the house, get fresh air, and call 911. Once cleared, call a chimney professional before using the fireplace again. CO entry is almost always caused by a blocked or damaged flue, cracked liner, or closed damper. This is a medical emergency, not a troubleshooting opportunity.

Related Services

Chimney Inspection
Learn More
Chimney Cleaning
Learn More
Chimney Repair
Learn More

Helpful Guides

Chimney Repair

7 Warning Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair | Chicago Chimney Repair | Widen

Read Article
Chimney Safety

Carbon Monoxide and Chimneys: What Chicago Homeowners Need to Know

Read Article
Chimney Safety

5 Signs of a Chimney Fire (And What to Do If It Happens) | Widen Chicago

Read Article

Ready to Get Started?

Call now for same-week scheduling or request a free estimate online.

(224) 343-1991Free Estimate Online