Crews respond to chimney fire that spread into attic

Staff report

NEWBERRY, Fla. – Last night, crews responded to a fire that started in a chimney and spread into the surrounding walls and attic.

At about 9:20 p.m. on December 23, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue and Newberry Fire Rescue responded to a reported chimney fire. Crews arrived on scene and found that the fire had spread beyond the chimney into the surrounding walls and attic space. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and isolated it to the immediate surrounding areas, saving the structure and preventing displacement of the resident. 

The fire was caused by the ignition of creosote that had built up in the chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like substance that builds up inside chimneys from incomplete wood-burning. A common misconception is that burning hardwoods, like oak, prevents this buildup, but all woods, soft and hard, produce creosote.

Alachua County Fire Rescue would like to remind residents of the importance of having chimneys cleaned annually before lighting the first fire of the season.