What is the chimney chase?

The chimney chase refers to the space between the chimney and the framing of a building. This area serves multiple functional purposes, such as providing a protective enclosure for the chimney and allowing for proper ventilation and clearance from combustible materials. Understanding the chimney chase is crucial for ensuring that safety codes are met, as it plays a significant role in preventing the risk of fire and ensuring that exhaust gases are properly vented outside.

In recognizing why this definition is important, it's useful to understand that the other choices do not correctly describe the chimney chase. The inside of the chimney structure pertains to the flue or liner where the flue gases travel, which is different from the surrounding space. The area around the furnace is not specific to the chimney itself and doesn’t encapsulate the principles of ventilation or safety associated with a chimney. Similarly, the attic space above the chimney is not defined as a chase; it is merely a structural space in the building that may have separate considerations for insulation and ventilation, but does not serve the same purpose as the chase itself.