It comes after Deniliquin’s Fire + Rescue NSW brigade was called to a chimney fire in north Deniliquin on Wednesday night.
Originally suspected to be a fully involved house fire, the 7.30pm call prompted a multi-agency response.
Also in attendance were Ambulance NSW paramedics and Deniliquin Police, and Essential Energy was dispatched to assist with any necessary works to isolate power supply.
Deniliquin FRNSW Deputy Captain Les Booth said they were all relieved to arrive at the Yarra St home to discover the fire was contained to the chimney.
“There were some flames coming from the top of the chimney, but the fire was contained to it,” he said.
“We got up on the roof and cleaned it out, and we also emptied the fire box inside to help cool it down.
“We used thermal imaging to check the roof space for any hot spots before leaving the property, about 45 minutes after we arrived.”
Dep Capt Booth said while many residents have already had their fires going to combat the chilly conditions, he urged those with working chimneys to have them cleaned now before the season progressed too far.
“Chimneys should really be cleared at least once a year, but preferably twice,” he said.
“Soot and debris can clog the chimney, and that’s what catches fire.
“Cleaning out your chimney also makes your wood heater more efficient.”
Dep Capt Booth said it’s also essential to have electric heaters checked regularly to prevent fires.
More fire safety advice is available in the FRNSW Winter Fire Safety Checklist, available under the ‘fire safety’ tab at www.fire.nsw.gov.au.
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