Weekend fires keep Austintown firefighters busy

AUSTINTOWN — Township firefighters were busy over the holiday weekend with three house fires between Thursday and Sunday.

Assistant Fire Chief Andy Frost III said firefighters extinguished a blaze in the chimney of a home on 2387 Birch Trace about 10:40 p.m. Sunday.

Frost said the fire was caused by a buildup of creosote, a byproduct of tar and sap from the wood, on the chimney walls.

“It happens when you burn green or soft woods,” he said. “There was so much that the opening was restricted to about 21⁄2 inches.”

Frost said it’s a common problem, and cleaning the chimney frequently is the best way to avoid a fire. The resident was advised not to burn wood inside the fireplace until a chimney inspection was completed.

A fire on Christmas Eve cost another family a pet and nearly $50,000 in damage, Frost said.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com