"Always make sure the flue is open, the carbon monoxide needs a place to go, and if you close the flue, you'll bring dangerous gases into your home," said Rachel Neutzler with Lake Travis Fire Rescue.

By far the most important concern for wood or pellet burning is keeping the flue free of hazards. The most common problem is creosote buildup. We used to run a chimney division within our company ...

The flue draws smoke and sparks up through your chimney and away from your home ... If your damper doesn’t close, then anything from the outside can go through the flue and into your home.