Chimney fire season

Today was a shirt-sleeve day outdoors. But if the forecasts ring true Oconeeans and the rest of the Southeast will be bundling up this weekend. And, to ward off a temperature drop of 30 or more degrees, many Oconeeans for the first time this season will strike the match to a woodstove or a fireplace fire. Commensurate with that come the usual late fall chimney fires. Barry Underwood, Walhalla fire prevention officer, says you can protect your home from a chimney fire or a home fire that spreads from the chimney by taking precautions. “Just check the flue liners,” recommends Underwood. He further recommends asking a professional to check your chimney for the build of creosote deposits.