Sonora, CA– Over the weekend, CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit firefighters responded to three chimney fires, highlighting the importance of regular flue maintenance.
Fire officials say homeowners should clean chimneys and ensure spark arrestors are in place if using a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or pellet stove. Creosote, a highly flammable residue that can appear tar-like, flaky, powdery or hard and waxy, builds up inside chimneys and vent pipes, creating a fire hazard and potentially restricting airflow, which can lead to toxic gas buildup such as carbon monoxide.
Regular maintenance also helps identify blockages from debris or nests. Authorities encourage residents to use the current warmer weather to perform their annual chimney inspections and cleaning.
