From Bill Lindelof:
A chimney fire that spread into the walls of an Elk Grove home Wednesday night has prompted fire officials to issue a safety reminder to help prevent such accidental blazes.
The fire in a two-story home in the 8400 block of Blue Maiden Court in the West Vineyard neighborhood of northeastern Elk Grove at about 10 p.m. forced firefighters to cut into the wall. The fire then was extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
The house suffered an estimated $50,000 in damage. Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Department firefighters were assisted by personnel from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
Cosumnes CSD officials provide these safety tips:
• Get wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors inspected annually by a professional cleaner. Have them cleaned when advised by a chimney pro.
• Don't forget to open the fireplace damper before lighting.
• Don't light a fireplace fire without a screen in place to stop sparks from flying into room.
• Only use seasoned wood. Green wood, with high moisture content, is likely to lead to a creosote build-up in a chimney and might result in a chimney fire.
• Make sure ashes are completely cooled before disposing of them. Douse them and allow overnight cooling in a metal container.
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