Chimney Fire on Osgood Street This Weekend

A chimney fire ignited on Osgood Street Saturday night.

Firefighters were called to the home at about 6 p.m. Saturday, for what was thought to be an attic fire. Itturned out to be a chimney fire, and firefighters knocked down walls to prevent it from spreading to the rest of the house.

North Andover Fire Chief Andrew Melnikas said the damage was "moderate." There were no injuries reported.

Here are some tips for preventing chimney fires:

1. Each year, as temperatures drop in the fall, have your chimney thoroughly inspected by a licensed professional. Make sure there are no holes or cracks in the flu. If the chimney is in good condition when a chimney fire ignites, Melnikas said, then the fire can burn out without the walls igniting.

"If the flu is in good condition, then once it burns out you'll still be OK," Melnikas said. "There are some homes out there that if they even have a flu in there, it's in need of repairs."

2, Get a licensed chimney sweep to clean your chimney each year before you use it. This includes clearing the flu of dirt and debris as well as creosote. And a chimney sweep can tell you after cleaning if any more safety measures need to be taken.

3. When you burn wood, make sure it is seasoned wood and not wet. Wet wood creates more creosote build-up.

4. Make sure all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work on each floor. Massachusetts law requires smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors be present and functioning in all homes. And these devices can save lives if smoke or gases are leaking from a chimney into the rest of the house.

5. If you suspect you may have a chimney fire, call the Fire Department. The Fire Department has devices and know-how to detect chimney fires, and it is better to be on the safe side.