After attending a chimney fire in Edwardes St, Deniliquin on June 6, firefighters were called to a Waring St home in east Deniliquin about 8.35pm Thursday.
This time the chimney fire had spread into the roof space of the home.
Brigade Deputy Captain Les Booth said the occupants were lucky to have working smoke alarms, which alerted them to a fire in time to act.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, but reported extensive damage to wiring within the home.
There was also damage to the walls and roof space.
In the Edwardes St incident, the chimney fire was extinguished before it could spread.
However, on inspection firefighters found a hole in the chimney’s mortar which had to be fixed before the fireplace could be used again.
Dept Capt Booth said both are a timely reminder about chimney care before it gets colder.
‘‘Always ensure flues and chimneys are regularly cleaned, particularly before using them as the weather gets cooler,’’ he said.
‘‘If you are unsure, get someone to come and check it out before you use it.
‘‘Also check that your smoke alarms are working and ensure the batteries are changed.
‘‘Plan your actions before a fire happens, by making a fire escape plan and practising that plan.’’
Across the state, Fire + Rescue NSW firefighters respond to about 4500 residential fires a year.
A small flame can burn out of control within 30 seconds.
Dept Capt Booth said a winter fire safety checklist is available from Fire + Rescue NSW to help you avoid a disaster.
The list includes testing your smoke alarm, creating an escape plan, maintaining fireplaces and chimneys, keeping everything a metre from the heater, checking for damage on electric blankets and using wheat bags safely among other important safety rules.
For more information on preventing fires in winter, and winter fire statistics, go to www.fire.nsw.gov.au.
Local firefighters are also happy to answer any questions you may have.
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