Trust me - it can happen to you!

Consider this a heads-up. If you have a wood furnace or woodstove and haven’t had your chimney cleaned yet, get on it.

We had ours done this week and although it officially heralds the arrival of winter, I’m okay with that. I’d rather have the job done than worry all season about the possibility of a chimney fire.

Human nature is such that you think it’ll never happen to me. However, a fire can happen anywhere, at any time and it has been my experience (based on fire calls we’ve covered and other assorted smoke alarm mishaps) that this kind of thing occurs mostly in the wee small hours.

Chimney fires might be the exception, but they’re no less dangerous or deadly. It doesn’t take much for one to start and there’s nothing more frightening than sparks flying from your chimney and landing on your roof.

I’ve been in a home during a chimney fire and it’s not fun. There’s legitimate panic as people rush not only to get out of the house but ensure that everyone’s safe, the fire department’s called and there’s an opportunity to do something until firefighters are onsite.

Thus, we get our chimney cleaned on an annual basis and while it’s no guarantee against a fire, it helps. Creosote build-up in a liner is sure to ignite if not removed, so why not take a proactive approach now and get rid of it while you can?

The cold isn’t going to leave anytime soon, kids, and you and I both know that wood-heat is the finest kind. The ability to burn wood and do it safely is a wonderful way to ward off winter’s worst.

But don’t take it for granted. Woodstoves and wood furnaces are pretty tricky animals at the best of times and a clean chimney is a giant step forward in an effort to minimize your fire hazard and ensure peace of mind over the winter months.