The frigid weather of the last few days is merely a wake-up call
that winter — and its accompanying dangers — is here. As a
result of the sub-zero temperatures, more people will turn to
supplemental heat sources, like fireplaces, wood stoves and
space heaters, to keep their homes warm and to conserve their
expensive fuel oil and kerosene. As temperatures plummet and
those additional heating appliances fire up, additional caution
must be used. Fire departments in the region have already
responded to a number of chimney fires in the last several days.
If you haven’t had your chimney cleaned, you should check it
immediately. Chimney fires occur because creosote, a sticky,
black by-product of wood smoke, accumulates on the inside walls
of chimney flues and ignites. The resulting fire can be
extremely hot (up to 2,000 degrees) and can quickly destroy a
chimney or — worse — your roof or your home. Avoiding chimney
fires is not that difficult; it just takes regular inspection
and cleaning. But you should also do a q