ASHLAND, Ore. — As the weather gets a bit more chilly, you may be inspired to start a cozy fire in your chimney or furnace.
But, before you do, firefighters say cleaning out the flue is a good idea.
Ashland Fire Division Chief Chris Chambers says most chimney fires start when people light them up for the first time each year.
An Ashland flue fire a couple of years ago, Chambers says, nearly burned the entire roof of a home.
“It’s really good to do a safety check on either system no matter how you heat your home, if it’s with wood then make sure your flues and chimneys are cleaned out. Have a professional service come out and do a really good professional cleaning,” said Chambers.
He says hiring a professional service to clean your flue is better than trying to do it yourself.
Chambers says professionals have the right tools and know all the areas to clean.
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