Chimney Fire Sparks Safety Reminder

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Anchorage Fire Department is encouraging people to check out their chimneys following a chimney fire at a complex in South Anchorage.  

"Be very careful this time of year on what goes in your fireplace," AFD Captain Mike Bobo said.

AFD recommends that you get your chimney checked out by a professional chimney sweep once a year, and don't wait until the middle of the winter.

"it is really much easier for the poor sweep  to get up on your roof and take care of the problem in the summer there is no snow or ice up on the roof," Donold Davis, the owner of Girdwood Services said.

Chimney fires are started when the chimney becomes clogged, so if users notice any smoke or are having problems starting a fire it could be a sign something is wrong.  Davis says people need to keep the fires burning hot, so there is less smoke.  

"If they do that every time they have a fire, it is going to take a long time, I mean every day, once a day, it is going to take a long time for the chimney to clog up," Davis said.

For additional information visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America

contact Jackie Bartz jbartz@ktuu.com