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Chimney fires are one of the leading causes of residential fires in Washington State, especially during the winter months. Most are caused by creosote, a flammable by-product of burning wood that builds up inside chimneys. Over time, creosote can block the flue and ignite, leading to a dangerous fire. When creosote buildup in the flue reaches a certain point, it can ignite from the heat of the fire in your fireplace or wood stove. Once creosote ignites, it burns at extremely high temperatures and can cause the chimney to ignite. The heat generated by a chimney fire can reach 2,000°F, which is much hotter than the normal temperatures seen in your fireplace or stove. Your chimney’s job is to safely vent smoke and gases from your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace, keeping your home’s air safe to breathe. Unlike other household vents, chimneys require regular maintenance. Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Make sure you have your solid fuel venting system checked annually (preferably before cold weather sets in) and clean or repair it whenever needed. Scheduling a fall cleaning will also clear out anything that might have fallen into the chimney during the summer. Chimney fires can burn explosively and noisily with flames and dense smoke present. Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible, and they often go undetected until a later chimney inspection, but the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure – and nearby combustible parts of the house.   Chimney Fire Warning Signs Puffy or honeycombed creosote with rainbow-colored streaks. Warped damper or metal connector pipe. Cracked or missing flue tiles. Discolored or distorted rain cap. Pieces of creosote on the roof or ground. Cracks in exterior masonry. Smoke escaping through mortar joints. Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners.   Active Chimney Fire signs – Call 911 immediately Loud cracking or popping noises. Heavy, dense smoke. An intense, hot smell.   Additional Safety Precautions Never leave your fireplace unattended. Avoid using flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire. Keep the area around your fireplace or stove clear of decorations and flammable materials. Install carbon monoxide detectors for year-round protection. Use a fireplace screen or glass door to prevent sparks and embers from escaping. Always make sure your fire is completely out before leaving home or going to bed. Keep fireplace tools, matches, and lighters out of children’s reach. Only burn seasoned wood and fire starters made for fireplaces or stoves—never paper or trash. Thinking about cleaning your chimney yourself? While it’s always a good idea to have your chimney inspected by a professional each year, you can  tackle basic cleaning on your own with the right tools and a little preparation. Here’s what you’ll need: Supplies Checklist: Ladder:  For safely accessing the roof. Drop cloths or old sheets:  To cover the fireplace opening and protect nearby rugs or furniture. Duct tape:  To securely attach the drop cloth over the fireplace opening. Vacuum cleaner:  A standard vacuum with a crevice attachment works, though a specialized ash or chimney vacuum is ideal if you plan to clean regularly. Chimney rod and brushes:  Available at most hardware stores or chimney supply shops. Stiff-bristled brush:  Choose one with a long handle to reach the damper easily.

Fire departments nationwide are seeing a rise in fires, injuries, and fatalities linked to lithium-ion battery-powered devices. These batteries are more common than many realize. They power everyday items such as toys, laptops, shavers, handheld power tools, lawn equipment, drones, and e-scooters. As these products become more widespread, so too does the fire risk associated with them. Lithium-ion battery fires are extremely fast-moving and can be explosive. From the first sign of trouble, you may have less than one minute to escape. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the risks in your home and prevent a dangerous “thermal runaway.” Safe Practices for Using Lithium-Ion Batteries Buy only listed products.  Look for safety certifications such as UL, ETL, or CSA to ensure the product meets important safety standards. Charge devices safely.  Always use the manufacturer’s charger and follow their instructions. Charge on a hard surface, unplug when fully charged, and avoid overcharging. Recycle responsibly.  Never place lithium-ion batteries in household trash or standard recycling bins, as they can spark fires. Use designated recycling locations instead. Visit call2recycle.org to find one near you. While these preventive measures are essential, it’s equally important to know how to recognize warning signs and handle batteries safely in daily life. Additional Safety Tips Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice odor, discoloration, excessive heat, swelling, leaking, or hissing sounds. Treat white or gray wispy smoke as an immediate fire danger. Store spare batteries away from anything flammable and out of direct sunlight or hot cars. Keep batteries with you in carry-on luggage rather than in checked bags. Store batteries at room temperature; do not charge below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C). Charge larger devices (like e-bikes) outside when possible, and never near exits, doors, or windows. Avoid charging devices in bedrooms or other areas where escape routes could be blocked. By staying alert and practicing safe handling, you can help protect yourself, your family, and your community from the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Sources: nfpa.org , usfa.fema.gov , fdnysmart.org , batterysafety.org

The Fire Safety Burn Ban for Unincorporated Pierce County will be lifted starting next Wednesday at 8 AM. Please burn safely and responsibly, in accordance with the terms on your burn permit.

When disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or fires strike, the visible damage is clear, with homes destroyed, cars swept away, and entire neighborhoods unsettled. These scenes reflect not only physical loss but also the disruption of a community’s daily life, infrastructure and shared sense of stability. What’s less apparent, but just as important, is the emotional toll a disaster can inflict. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), disaster trauma often follows a series of stages: Pre-Disaster , Impact , Heroic , Honeymoon , Disillusionment , and Reconstruction . Throughout these stages, survivors may experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and physical reactions. Photo by CDC.gov It’s normal to feel physically and mentally drained, have trouble focusing, or experience unpredictable emotions. Some people may argue more with loved ones, feel unusually tired, lonely, or worried, notice changes in appetite or sleep, or develop physical symptoms related to stress. Certain sounds, sights, or smells may even trigger memories of the disaster. While these responses can be upsetting, most are temporary and fade over time. If you or someone you know is navigating the aftermath of a disaster, here are some ways to support emotional recovery: Seek support from family, friends and community resources. Other than updates from officials, limit exposure to disaster-related news and imagery, including on TV and radio, on social media, and in the newspapers. Share your experiences with others who understand. Consider joining a local support group led by trained professionals. Practice healthy habits — eat nutritious meals, drink water, get rest, and avoid alcohol or drugs. Reestablish routines, set small goals, and tackle tasks in manageable steps. Be patient with yourself and those around you. Stress can make it hard to think clearly. Recovering from a disaster involves more than rebuilding structures. Try to accept whatever reactions you may have. Taking small, steady steps can help restore a sense of control and well-being for you and your community. If you are feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you are not alone. Call or text 988  for free, confidential mental health support, 24/7. Children may find it especially difficult to recover emotionally after a disaster. It's important to let them know that sometimes bad things happen. It’s okay to feel sad, mad, or scared and that grown-ups sometimes feel this way, too. Don’t: Expect children and adolescents to be brave or tough. Make them discuss the event before they are ready. Get angry if they show strong emotions. Get upset if they begin bed-wetting, acting out, or thumb-sucking. Make promises you can’t keep (such as “You will be OK tomorrow” or “You will go home soon.”)   Sources: apa.org , redcross.org , samhsa.gov , tulane.edu

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