Creosote build up can become a danger to chimney cowls and the substance is extremely flammable and has been accused of being the "primary cause" of chimney fires.
Homeowners have been warned in particular due to the subtle nature of creosote, as a build-up of the substance can only be made visible after a chimney has been cleaned.
Castanet reporter Hugh Cairns emphasised this, saying that the material "is pretty sneaky" and that most people are unaware that it is happening because they "simply don't complete regular chimney inspections".
In addition to the fire threat of creosote, it has been alleged that the material also carries an undesirable scent, according to The Pacific Northwest Inlander.
One of the newspaper's journalists, Mike Bowden, reported how creosote "smells terrible", before warning that a chimney which is not frequently checked can become a habitat for animals that bring "noise, smells" and "insects".