As the nights start to cool, fireplace use starts to go up. The Washington State Fire Marshal is sending out a recommendation to get your chimney cleaned before you need to burn to warm your home.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 77% of residential building heating fires came from fire in chimneys, flues, or fuel burners. Last year 4 people died in Washington State from home heating source fires.
The Fire Marshal’s Office suggests having your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned annually by a professional, installing a chimney cap to prevent obstructions, and keeping a fire extinguisher in your home and know how to use it. The office also recommends keeping smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home and checking them regularly.
