as time goes by the wood stove does not seem to be doing as well, when it gets really cold at night or when it is really windy i have a hard time keeping a good fire burning, recently started seeing black flakes in the snow and rusty color running down my chimney with black at top, first year burning. we have quit using it here this past week afraid of chimney fire, heard a big bang like noise then then other mentioned stuff was present. afraid to start back up, wouldn't think would have that much creosote since started using in december, outside masonry chimney with steel flex tube liner was burning 24/7.lately had to leave door unlatched or slightly cracked to get a hot burn going