State Fire Marshal’s Office Advise Inspectection, Clean Chimney Before Season

The Washington State Fire Marshal's Office is advising folks to inspect and clean chimneys before curling up by the fire to stay warm in the chillier months. Over the course of the summer, many folks don't pay attention to their chimney, however animals do and can cause obstructions, along with tree growth, to develop in a chimney.

"That could impact the chimney being able to vent properly," said Deputy State Fire Marshal Robert Wittenberg. "In addition to that, use of uncured wood or a lot of paper can develop a lot of creosote in the chimney."

Creosote is a flammable material that can cause chimney fires.

The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) reports nearly 600 residential chimney fires over five years.