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Cal Fire warns - it's time to clean your flue
Cal Fire loaning chimney brushes
During the recent run of cool weather in the Northstate people have been using their fireplaces and woodstoves for the first time since last winter, many without first cleaning their chimney flues.
“Cal Fire and Tehama County Fire have responded to three fires with the last week due to dirty chimney flues,” said Mickie Jakez, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) public information officer.
Good weather is expected this weekend at which time Cal Fire and Tehama County Fire Department recommends residents take advantage of the opportunity to inspect and clean their chimney flues and to check the working order of all home heating systems.
“In addition to cleaning the chimney for flue buildup of soot, tar and ash, people should also check for cracks or damage to sidewalls,” Jakez said.
Checking and cleaning of chimney flues can be done by professional chimney sweeps or by homeowners.
“This can be done easily with a chimney brush,” explained Jakez.
Cal Fire is currently loaning, free of charge, chimney cleaning brushes from the following locations:
• Corning Rural Fire Station - 988 Colusa St., Corning,
• Los Molinos Fire Station - 7390 Sherwood Blvd. Los Molinos, 384-2345
• Headquarters Station - 604 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff, 528-5190
Jakez said interested parties can contact the on-duty engineer at any of the listed stations and check out a chimney brush.
“Call today, it’s very important,” Jakez advised.
She said fire personnel will give cleaning advise to those who borrow a chimney brush.
Jakez explained the chimney brush is used to scrub the sides of the flue to dislodge the creosote (the chemical which ignites flue fires) and ash.
“Once the flue is scrubbed clean it is important to clean all of the debris out of the bottom of the woodstove or fireplace,” Jakez stated.
“It’s a messy job, but a very important one.”
It is also important to have a powerful flashlight on hand to check the flue or chimney for cracks and cleanliness.
Jason Avila, a professional chimney sweep in Red Bluff, said he recommends people also contact a professional chimney sweep to make sure stove pipes are installed correctly.
“Most professional chimney sweeps will give free advise,” said Avila.
