KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Chimney fires a hazard as winter approaches

Chimney fires a hazard as winter approaches

DREW WILKINS
DWILKINS@KJCT8.COM

GRAND JUNCTION -- A fire erupted in a chimney in the Redlands last night, the family is okay, but it could have been prevented.

Just a once a year visit from the chimney sweep can save your house, or even your life.

As cold air continues to settle into the Grand Valley, many families will be using their fireplaces for the first time since last winter, not thinking about the dangers lurking inside their chimney.
       
"We burned a lot of fires last year," says Mike Page of the Grand Junction Fire Department, "Probably got a lot of creosote buildup that's dried out.  That first fire that you have in that chimney really is kind of a dangerous time."
     
Creosote is a combination of carbon by-products left behind from burning wood and other debris.  Its buildup can become dangerous if left unchecked.
     
"Creosote can heat up and start on fire, and you can have a fire in your chimney and that fire can spread either to the outside of your house on your roof or on the inside if your construction isn't really great," Page says.
     
But how do you know if and when it's time to clean out your chimney?
     
Shawn Montgomery of Chim Chim Chimney Sweep LLC says, "The National Fire Protection Agency recommends every year that you have your chimney and flue and all your working parts of the chimney inspected."
     
But inspection and maintenance aren't the only things to worry about with your fireplace.  You also need to consider what you're burning.
     
"You don't wanna start your fireplace with newspaper and especially magazines," Montgomery says,"...that's no good, that creates a lot of material, combustible material that sticks on the inside of your chimney."
     
The bottom line, with proper cleaning and responsible burning you and your family can enjoy the comforts of your home fireplace.

Shawn says his chimney sweep service takes between 1 and 2 hours and costs between $80 and $100.

That's a small price to pay compared to the risk a chimney fire poses to life and property.