Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 10, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Gloucester Fire Department Battles Chimney Fire
GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department successfully extinguished a chimney fire on Thursday evening, sparing a home from significant damage.
Firefighters responded to 67 Woodman St. at 6:15 p.m. for a reported building fire. Upon arrival, firefighters could see sparks and embers falling from the chimney of a 1 1/2 story house. The homeowner told firefighters that, while loading his wood stove, he heard noise from the chimney and began to see smoke coming from the stove.
Crews used a dry chemical fire extinguisher at the bottom of the chimney, removed the wood stove insert, and inspected the chimney, taking note of creosote and buildup inside the chimney. Firefighters used water to extinguish the fire on the top of the chimney and then wet down the exterior of the house.
The homeowner was advised to have his chimney inspected and professionally cleaned. The family was able to return home Thursday evening, and crews cleared the scene at 7:50 p.m.
Chief Smith notes that with the large fluctuation in temperatures this winter, wood stoves and fireplaces might be getting sporadic or infrequent use. Before using a wood/pellet stove or fireplace, the Gloucester Fire Department always advises homeowners to have their chimneys inspected and cleaned to prevent possible fires.
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