Sayville Fire Department volunteer firefighters responded to three chimney fires within two weeks and it’s only November. Due to the high cost of home heating this year, more people may be using fireplaces or wood burning stoves this year.

Sayville Fire Department Chief Roy Verspoor is concerned that some homeowners are not taking the proper precautions to ensure that their chimneys are properly installed and maintained.

He would like to remind everyone of the following chimney safety tips:

1)Have your chimney inspected by a professional once a year…preferably at the beginning of the home heating season...that means now! If cleaning or repair is necessary, have it done right away.

2)If you live in an older home that does not have a chimney liner, it is recommended that you have one installed.

3) Burn only well-seasoned hardwood to avoid highly combustible creosote buildup inside the chimney. If creosote builds up in sufficient quantities, it will ignite inside the chimney flue, resulting in a dangerous chimney fire that can quickly extend into the home.

4)Never leave your fireplace burning when you go to bed or leave the house.

5)Make sure you have a chimney cap installed to avoid debris/wildlife falling into the chimney and causing a blockage.

6)Be sure to have working smoke and CO detectors installed in your home.

7)Very often people report that they became aware of a chimney fire when they hear a noise similar to the roar of an airplane engine in their house or the fire was burning really hot. If you suspect a chimney fire, call 911 immediately and get out of the house. Often, a fire spreads beyond the chimney and behind walls without being noticed. The fire department will respond to extinguish the fire and search for fire that might be hiding before they leave.

Volunteer members of the Sayville Fire Department would like everyone to be safe and enjoy the holiday season! Visit www.sayvillefd.org for lots of safety information.