The Lexington Fire Department says as the temperature drops, chimney fires rise.
According to the National Fire Protection Association 36 percent of structure fires this time of year are a result of chimney fires, often caused by flu's that have not been cleaned and are gathering soot.
Fire officials say your chimney should be checked and cleaned once a year.
They say the mortar joints in chimneys can become dry and crack, and allow for embers to work their way out of the chimney, potentially starting a house fire. They say birds have also been known to make nests in the flu's.
The Fire Department also says every fireplace should have a protective glass case or mesh screen to keep popping embers from shooting out of the fireplace. They also say to keep anything flammable at least three fee away from the fireplace.
If you would like to know more fireplace safety tips you can visit the National Fire Protection Association website by clicking on the link below.
National Fire Protection Association
