Creosote Buildup Contributed to Flue Fire at Jack Creek Road Home in Hugo
Creosote buildup contributed to a flue fire at a home in the Hugo area this week.
Rural Metro Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call from a residence in the 500-block of Jack Pine Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Visible flames shooting out of a stovepipe mobilized engine companies from Rural Metro's Monument Drive Station. Arriving units extinguished the flames and confirmed the structure was not damaged. No injuries were reported.
Rural Metro officials said flames that travel inside a chimney or stovepipe are not a problem, but flames that escape into the attic or wall are a problem. In fact, that is one of the leading causes of house fires this time of year.
Certain tools carried by firefighters like thermal imaging cameras allow crews to detect hidden fire in the attic and walls. Specialized suppression equipment can provide cooling of the pipe without causing damage.
Firefighters and chimney sweep professionals recommend regular cleaning and inspections to confirm your wood heating devices are in good working order -- and always have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Posted on 1/10/25 6:14AM by Sam Marsh
