Creosote build-up is the most common cause of fires.
IRON MOUNTAIN -- The recent cold snap has had a lot of people filling up their wood stoves, but care needs to be used in order to avoid fires.
Chimney fires are common this year due to heavier usage of wood stoves, as burning wood is a cheaper alternative to many other heating methods.
Creosote build-up in chimneys is the most common cause of fires like the one that destroyed a house in Vulcan last Thursday.
There are ways to help prevent chimney fires, however.
"We recommend that people only burn the most seasoned and most dry wood--that's going to produce the least creosote build-up. Different types of hardwoods obviously being the better type," said Iron Mountain Fire Chief Dan Johnson.
Checking your chimney regularly and having it maintained by a professional will also reduce the possibility of fire.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC