It's been unusually warm so far this year, but the cold weather isn’t finished with us yet.
Many Cortes residents rely on wood heat to stay warm through the winter. While wood stoves are an effective heat source, chimney fires don’t have to be part of the season.

To reduce the risk of a chimney fire in your home, follow these practical tips:
Always burn seasoned, thoroughly dry wood. Dryness is more important than the type of wood.
Build hotter fires that burn more efficiently and produce less smoke, which helps reduce creosote buildup.
Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. This is the best way to minimize your risk.

If you suspect a chimney fire may be occurring:
Get everyone out of the house and call 911 immediately.
If it can be done safely and without putting yourself at risk, throwing a cup of water into the firebox and cutting off the air supply (by closing the door and damper) may help reduce the severity of the fire.

The Cortes Island Fire Department can extinguish chimney fires, clear the house of smoke, and check for any hot spots using our thermal imaging camera.