Chimney fires destroy homes every year; however, they are easily preventable. The leading cause of chimney fires is failing to properly maintain a fireplace. In a recent interview with WTNH, Dan Bortolan, owner of The Chimney Sweep Company, LLC  provided the following safety tips to help prevent a chimney fire: 

• Have your chimney and fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
• Be cautious of scams. Legitimate chimney sweep companies will not cold call you and try to sell you a boat load of stuff without permits or tax.
• Before using your fireplace, make certain the damper is open, so smoke can escape. It’s best to simply look up the chimney rather than try to remember which way to turn the damper.
• If you hear a roaring sound coming from your fireplace, call 911 and evacuate your house.