Chimney Fires & Heating Season

Exeter, NH - November 29th, 2023: Our firefighters have been busy responding to chimney fires as the colder weather has arrived and the heating season has begun.

Earlier this morning, members of C shift responded with mutual aid to assist at the scene of this chimney fire at a residence on Exeter Road in Epping. The fire was initially reported as a chimney fire, but fire crews found that it had spread to the walls. Epping Fire & Rescue Department determined that it was likely caused by an issue with a woodstove.

Given the recent chimney fires in the area, this is a good time to remind homeowners about the importance of taking steps to ensure that chimneys and heating equipment such as wood and pellet stoves are in proper working order.

The National Fire Protection Association advises that chimneys and stoves should be inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep during the fall before the heating season gets underway.

It’s also good to remember that if you plan to install a stove, chimney or chimney connector, be sure to have the work performed by a qualified professional.

And if you’re heating with a stove, don’t forget to use a wire brush to clean the inside periodically to prevent future hazards.

It’s also important to remember that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are life savers and should always be installed. Be sure that smoke alarms are placed on all floors, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should also be installed outside each sleeping area and on each level of a home.