Local News

As the summer threat of fire to homes has diminished, the threat of fire from within increases. Flue fires are one of the leading causes of house fires during the colder months.

Failure to clean the chimney of creosote buildup can lead to an ignition inside the flue. A flue fire isn't necessarily a problem, but heat or embers escaping through cracks or separations in the mortar, liner or pipe can ignite the walls, attic or roof.

In the event a flue fire occurs at your home, call 9-1-1. Firefighters have special equipment for suppressing flue fires and checking for extension of flames into the structure. Fire that spreads into the structure can becoming damaging very fast. The sooner firefighters arrive, the less damage there could be.

While you wait for their arrival, 9-1-1 will provide some basic instructions such as placing water-soaked newspaper inside the woodstove or fireplace. Wet paper will produce steam that will begin the cooling process up inside the flue.

Since many house fires start in the middle of the night while you sleep, make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are adequately placed and working. Installing a "monitored" fire alarm system is even better and it can alert firefighters when you are not home. Early detection is the key to keeping fires small.

Prevent the potential of a house fire by having your chimney cleaned and inspected by a licensed chimney sweep and by burning dry, seasoned hardwood to reduce creosote buildup. Have someone get into your attic and look at the spacing of the flue from wooden roof and truss components, insulation and personal storage.