Clean and review chimney and fire box: Creosote buildup in the chimney and/or fire box can cause chimney fires. This is especially true if you build large fires (a fire which touches the damper) under creosote encrustation. Clean when there is noticeable buildup. Often the chimney cannot be visually inspected even if it is clean, but a dirty chimney is especially difficult, if not impossible, to visually inspect. If the fireplace has an insert installed it is especially important that the chimney be cleaned and reviewed before taking possession of the property. The inspector cannot remove the insert to review the connecting pipes, etc. A chimney specialist should be contacted to direct cleaning and for further review of the chimney.