First fire of the season leaves creosote flakes on the ground

[leftyscott]

Last sweep was a year ago/ have one scheduled later this month. Did fail at building a fire last week and did burn several pieces of newspaper in the attempt.
Had a small but hot fire last night.
Burn mostly seasoned oak last year.

Should I be worried? Thinking about making another fire today thinking if I don't see any creosote outside, I'm good to go.

Want to believe that burned newspaper, high winds, first fire caused this to happen.

If I see more creosote, I'll wait till I can get the sweeper here before more burns.

That sound reasonable? Nearest fire station over 10 miles away.

 

[BobUrban]

no one can tell you for sure w/o looking inside but my best guess is you are seeing remnants of the newspaper and/or junk hanging on the cap from last year. Windy days and first burn can bring that out for ya.

Personally I would burn but I don't like turning on my furnace and I can see inside my pipe if needed.

 

[prezes13]

Are you sure it's creosote? I am thinking more like news paper rembrants just like the above post.

 

[leftyscott]

It's glazed looking.

 

[Hogwildz]

Get the flue swept.
The black crap may be dried out creo that came loose when the liner/flue heated up and expanded, then the draft pulled it up and outside onto the ground.

 

[BrotherBart]

If you have a liner and top plate it is probably the crud that piles up on the top plate. Brushed a pile of it off when I went up to sweep the liners this week.