The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A build-up of chimney residue was to blame for a chimney fire on Third Avenue yesterday afternoon. Firefighters rushed to the scene at about 1:15 p.m. and easily put out the fire, located toward the top of the chimney. They removed the cap from the chimney and left the scene within minutes. The cause was determined to be a build-up of "creosote," a natural byproduct of burning wood. Fire Chief Jim Petrie said the incident was a good reminder to citizens to have their chimneys cleaned regularly. He said residents should have their chimneys cleaned at least twice a year. It's smart for people who burn a lot of wood to have their chimney cleaned once a month, he added. While firefighters had no problem extinguishing yesterday's chimney fire, such fires are dangerous and can easily spread. "Chimney fires can turn into large structural fires that can burn your house down," said the fire chief.
