All great advise here. I had a similar problem a few weeks ago. My wife noticed a small piece of glowing ember fell through the vent. Landed in the ash pan, but ".....we're in a drought! That is so bad! get some water quick!...." and on and on and on... Really not a big deal, but she said so. Now, when she's around. I close the bottom dampers when I dump my chimney. Then open to where I need them.
Congrats on the new Kettle. You're gonna love it!