How to Get an Animal Out of a Chimney Safely
To get an animal out of a chimney, stop using the fireplace, keep people and pets away, and do not reach into the flue. Keep the fireplace closed and contact a chimney professional if the animal is stuck, injured, or out of reach.
Need help now? (385) 243-7715
How to Get an Animal Out of a Chimney Without Making It Worse
First, stop using the fireplace or stove connected to the chimney. Heat, smoke, and fumes can injure an animal and may drive it farther into the flue. Keep children and pets out of the room, and do not put your hands, a pole, or another tool into the fireplace or chimney.
Close the glass doors or fireplace screen if you can do so without getting close to the animal. This helps keep an animal that drops into the firebox from entering the room. Do not close a damper if you do not know where the animal is; a damper can trap it or block its route. Leave the area undisturbed and contact a professional for guidance.
If the animal is in the firebox, appears injured, or is behaving aggressively, keep your distance and contact animal control or a qualified wildlife professional. For an animal in the flue or chimney structure, our chimney animal removal service addresses the chimney-related problem.
How to Tell Where the Animal Is in the Chimney
You do not need to see the animal to make a safe first decision. Note the sounds and where you hear them, but do not climb onto the roof or put your head inside the firebox to investigate.
- Sounds above the firebox — Scratching, fluttering, or movement higher in the flue can mean an animal is above the fireplace opening. Stop using the appliance and keep the firebox closed; avoid trying to flush the animal down.
- Movement at the fireplace opening — An animal that has reached the firebox may be frightened and may try to run into the room. Keep the door or screen closed if it is safe to do so, and keep everyone back.
- A nest or debris, but no animal in sight — A nest can obstruct the flue even after an animal has left. Do not burn it out or pull it down with a tool; a sweep should check the chimney before you use the fireplace again.
- No clear sound or visible animal — A quiet chimney does not prove it is empty. If you heard activity or found droppings, nesting material, or damage, leave the appliance off until the flue has been checked.
Seven Safe Steps for an Animal in Your Chimney
Take these steps in order. They help you avoid contact and preserve useful details for the person who handles the removal.
- Stop the fire or appliance — Do not light a fire, run a wood stove, or operate a fireplace connected to the chimney. Check that the appliance is off and let any hot surfaces cool before going near the fireplace.
- Move people and pets away — Keep the room clear so a startled animal has fewer chances to reach someone. Check that children and pets cannot enter while you work out the next step.
- Keep the firebox opening guarded — Close glass fireplace doors or a screen if the animal is not right beside the opening and you can do it safely. Check that the door or screen is secure, but do not block a visible exit route or reach toward the animal.
- Leave the damper alone — Do not move the damper when the animal’s location is uncertain. Check only from a safe distance; changing the damper could trap the animal or give it access to the room.
- Do not use smoke, water, or bait — Avoid lighting paper, using smoke, spraying water, or placing food in the chimney. These methods can injure or disorient the animal, worsen the obstruction, or draw it into the living space.
- Record what you noticed — Write down when you heard movement, which fireplace or appliance is connected to the flue, and whether you saw an animal or nest. Check that the details are accurate without climbing onto the roof or reaching inside.
- Arrange removal and a chimney check — Contact a chimney sweep for an animal in the chimney, especially if it is trapped, unreachable, or has left nesting material. Ask for the flue to be checked before using the fireplace; confirm you have described the animal’s location and any signs of debris.
Need help now? (385) 243-7715
Which Chimney Animal Problem Calls for Professional Removal?
The right next step depends on what you can see and where the animal is. These distinctions can help you decide whom to contact without trying to handle the animal yourself.
Animal in the flue or chimney
Contact a chimney sweep when you hear movement above the firebox, suspect an animal is stuck, or find material inside the flue. A chimney professional can address the chimney access and check for an obstruction.
Animal loose in the room
Keep your distance and contact local animal control or a wildlife professional. A chimney sweep is the right call for the chimney, but a loose animal in the living space needs safe handling.
Nest or debris with no animal present
Do not assume the chimney is ready to use because the animal has gone. Arrange a chimney check to find out whether nesting material or other debris remains in the passage.
Possible damage or a blocked flue
Leave the fireplace off if material has fallen into it, the flue appears blocked, or the animal may have damaged a component. Have the chimney inspected before lighting another fire.
Why Smoke, Tools, and Roof Access Can Make Removal Riskier
A fire is not a safe way to drive an animal out. Heat and smoke can injure it, and an animal forced downward may enter the firebox or living area. Burning nesting material can also create a fire hazard or leave debris blocking the flue.
Do not poke upward with a broom handle, garden tool, or wire. You could injure the animal, damage the chimney, or cause a frightened animal to move unpredictably. Avoid climbing onto the roof to inspect a cap or reach into the chimney; a fall or close contact can turn a removal problem into an injury.
Do not try to grab, trap, or relocate a wild animal yourself. It may bite or scratch, and some animals require careful handling. Keep the fireplace unused until the animal and any remaining material have been dealt with and the chimney is checked.
What to Check Before Using the Fireplace Again
After removal, make sure the chimney has been checked for remaining nesting material, a blockage, and visible damage. An animal leaving the flue does not confirm that the passage is clear or that the fireplace is safe to operate. Ask what was found and whether any repair or additional inspection is needed.
Pay attention to how the animal may have entered. A missing or damaged chimney cap can provide an opening, but do not assume that is the cause without an inspection. If a cap or another chimney part needs attention, use the check findings to decide on the next service rather than installing or changing parts from the roof yourself.
For other chimney questions, see our chimney sweep in Salt Lake City page. To book animal removal, use our contact page or call (385) 243-7715; tell us what you heard or saw and which fireplace is involved.
Need help now? (385) 243-7715
What to Share When Booking Chimney Animal Removal
Describe whether the animal is in the firebox, somewhere above it, or not visible. Mention any sounds, nest material, droppings, or damage you noticed, and say whether the fireplace or stove has been used since the activity began. These details help identify the concern before the visit.
The time needed at the home depends on where the animal is and whether debris or damage also needs attention, so provide the clearest location details you can. Garrett Sullivan has 16 years of experience with chimneys and fireplaces, and we explain the work clearly and recommend only services the homeowner needs.
We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact Utah Chimney Sweep to arrange chimney animal removal and keep the fireplace unused until the flue has been checked.
Frequently asked questions
Should I open the damper to let an animal out?
Not when you do not know where the animal is. Opening or closing the damper can change its route or trap it, so leave the damper alone and keep the fireplace unused until the animal is located.
Can I use a fire or smoke to make an animal leave?
No. Heat and smoke can injure the animal or drive it toward the firebox and into your home. Do not light the fireplace; arrange safe removal instead.
What if the animal is already in my fireplace?
Keep people and pets back, and close the glass doors or screen if you can do so without approaching the animal. Do not try to grab it; contact animal control or a wildlife professional for an animal loose in the room.
Can I use the fireplace after the animal leaves?
Wait until the chimney has been checked for a blockage, nest material, and possible damage. An empty-looking firebox does not show whether the flue above it is clear.
Get Help With an Animal in Your Chimney
Keep the fireplace off and tell us where you last heard or saw the animal. Contact Utah Chimney Sweep or call (385) 243-7715 to arrange chimney animal removal.