On March 16 shortly after 10p.m. the Ladder and Engine were dispatched along with Alsace Manor (Co8), Oley (Co5) and Temple (Co11) to assist Exeter (Co25) on a reported chimney fire at 161 Dautrich Rd. Arriving units found heavy smoke and embers coming out of the chimney. The firebox on the wood stove was quickly emptied as the roof crew began using the chimney chains to knock down the accumulated creosote in the flue. Several dry powder chimney bombs were also dropped from the top in order to extinguish the fire while additional crews vented the house of smoke. Units were able to clear just after 11p.m.
We would like to remind everybody that uses a wood or coal stove for supplemental heat that the stove and chimney should be cleaned at least once per year. This cleaning removes the build up of creosote from the flue and also allows the chimney lining to be inspected for any damage that needs repair. Too many times we have seen a chimney fire progress to the point where it actually ignites the structure which will cause much more damage to your house as well as endangering your family and possessions.
