Oct 12, 2008 11:37 pm US/Pacific
Dirty, Damaged Chimneys Pose Fire Danger
ANTELOPE (CBS13) ―
Dry, windy conditions are spreading new fires all over California, but the chill in the air is creating another type of fire danger that officials say is preventable. Fire experts are urging residents with chimneys to make sure they're safe to use before firing them up again for the cold season.
A chimney is likely to blame for a two-alarm house fire in Antelope, according to Metro Fire. Two adults, a child, and the family pets got out uninjured, and investigators have turned their attention to the fireplace as the culprit.
"This time of year, people are starting fires in fireplaces, also firing up their heaters and furnaces for the first time," said Assistant Chief Steve Cantelme from Metro Fire. "Typically around this time of year, we get a lot of calls on that."
Chimney sweeper Richard Hughey recommends having the chimney cleaned at least once a year.
"Soot builds up in the chimney and turns into creosol," Hughey said. "Something will go up the chimney -- a hot ember -- and will ignite the creosol."
Cracked chimneys can also result in flames escaping fireplace. Authorities believe a crack near the attic in the Antelope house may have been responsible for the house fire.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
