Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Ferndale, MI

While a hot fire can help heat up and loosen tar within your chimney, making it a recommended step before using a creosote log, it will not burn off significant existing buildup on its own. Attempting to remove built-up creosote with a hot fire is dangerous and can cause a chimney fire. For safe and effective removal of caked-on creosote, the best approach is to hire a professional chimney sweep.

In some cases, you can use a fireplace once the insert has been removed. However, before burning a fire, you must have a professional inspect it and the chimney to make sure they're functioning properly and no damage has occurred from removing the insert. That’s because using a fireplace without an insert could create fire hazards due to issues with airflow and heat dispersion, depending on the fireplace design and material. A professional can advise on whether you should make certain repairs or modifications before using your fireplace as an open hearth.

Certified fire door inspectors should inspect fire doors. These professionals receive training to specifically assess the condition, functionality, and compliance of fire doors. They often hold credentials from groups like the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) or the International Fire Door Inspector Association (IFDIA). While fire marshals won’t usually do hands-on inspections, they’ll check that doors are being maintained properly during routine safety audits. If a building relies on fire doors for code compliance, it needs someone who understands the details—the difference between a cosmetic issue and a safety failure—and standards to sign off with confidence.

It’s technically possible in some areas to install your own fire suppression system, but it’s usually not a good idea. Your system must conform to the fire code in your area and will need to pass a rigorous inspection before being activated and deemed safe. Installing a fire suppression system is a complicated job, and making mistakes as a DIYer is likely. Those mistakes can cause you to fail your inspection, which means you’ll have to spend more time fixing the issues or money to have a certified plumber do the work for you. It’s best to hire a professional.