Fairfield Fire Extinguishes Seventh Chimney Fire of the Season

At 10:32 a.m. Wednesday morning the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received a call from a neighbor of “flames coming out of the chimney” at 1404 Stratfield Road. Fairfield Fire Engines 1, 2, 3 and 5, Ladders 1 and 2, and Car 3 responded with Engine 3 first on the scene at 10:36 reporting “light smoke out of the chimney”; Car 3 arrived shortly thereafter and gave a followup report of “a significant chimney fire with all hands working.”

Companies 2 and 3 extinguished the chimney fire which was contained to the flue and fireplace stove insert, using chains to knock loose built up creosote in the flue before removing the insert to clean out remaining embers and ash, according to Incident Commander Assistant Chief Doug Chavenello. The homeowner reported having the chimney swept recently and was advised to have it checked and cleaned as needed prior to reuse. Engine 3 was the last unit to clear at 11:24.

This was the seventh chimney fire Fairfield’s bravest have responded to so far this season, with one each in October and November and two in December and January prior to today. “People utilizing wood burning fireplaces or stoves should have their chimneys and flue pipes inspected and cleaned by a reputable chimney sweep or heating contractor at the start of the heating season; frequent usage or prolonged burning times would necessitate more frequent cleanings,” said Fairfield Fire Marshal Bill Kessler. “They should burn only seasoned, dry firewood -- never trash, painted wood or materials like pine boughs or branches that flare-up quickly.”

According to Fire Marshal Kessler a reputable contractor would have a Connecticut license and adequate insurance; references and membership in professional organizations are other indicators. “And, of course, never place fireplace or stove ashes in a combustible container,” added Kessler.  “Ashes should go into a covered metal receptacle and be placed outside well away from any structure.”

As the season becomes colder the Fairfield Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that heating equipment accounted for 18% of all home fires in 2009 (second only to cooking) and 22% of all home fire fatalities; the leading factor contributing to home heating fires at 26% was failure to clean “principally creosote from solid-fueld heating equipment, primarily chimneys” according the National Fire Protection Association website. “Make sure you have smoke alarms at minimum protecting sleeping areas and each interior stair, and test them regularly,” advised Kessler in closing, and if a chimney fire is suspected, call 911 right away.”