The Martha's Vineyard Times

Oak Bluffs firefighters put out chimney fire

By Nelson Sigelman
January 23, 2013

Photo by Angelina Godbout

Oak Bluffs firefighters responded to a chimney fire on Central Avenue Tuesday.

Oak Bluffs firefighters responded to a chimney fire at 14 Central Avenue in the downtown business district Tuesday afternoon, January 21.

According to fire Chief Peter Forend, the homeowner was burning wood in a stove with an unlined chimney. He said creosote inside the chimney caught fire.

The flames spread briefly to an upstairs room. The homeowner put the flames out with a fire extinguisher.

Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, and can build up inside a chimney where it becomes a dangerous fire hazard.

"It's a common fire for us this time of year," Chief Forend said. "People should clean their chimneys at least annually, and make sure they are using seasoned wood in wood stoves."