It is the purpose of a chimney sweep to remove soot, blockages, and the buildup of creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber, and damper. Since creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside the chimney when burning wood, getting the chimney swept will ensure that you will have a safer chimney system. According to Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), there are an estimated 24,000 chimney fires per year, which has cost American families over $31 million in damages. The CSIA and many other national institutions suggest that chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year, depending on how often the chimney is used.