Keremeos chimney fire prompts timely reminder

KEREMEOS – A chimney fire in Keremeos on the weekend brings a timely reminder to those who heat with wood.

Keremeos and District Fire Department chief Jordy Bosscha says the department responded to a chimney fire on Beecroft Avenue around 6 p.m. yesterday, Nov. 6

Bosscha says the fire had been extinguished by the time the fire department arrived, and little damage was done, but the incident serves as a reminder for residents using fireplaces and wood stoves to ensure their chimneys are in good working order for the upcoming winter season.

“The weekend of daylight savings is a good time to think about getting your chimney inspected and cleaned, and to change the batteries in your smoke alarms,” he says.

If a chimney fire should occur, Bosscha advises calling 911 and misting of water into the firebox or burning of wet paper to cool the flue.

“Don’t throw buckets of water because that can seriously damage your chimney,” he says.

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