YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Fire and Rescue responded to a chimney fire on Thursday, Oct. 17. on Cherokee Trail in Young Harris, and the incident should serve as a precaution when lighting the first indoor fires of the season.

“The incident was a chimney collapse,” Towns County Fire Chief Harold Copeland told FYN. “It began as a chimney fire and extended to the attic. Crews entered, removed sheet rock, and extinguished the fire. Firefighters performed excellent, quick work to save the home.” No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Experts warn that chimney fires can burn explosively – loud and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or passersby. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound, similar to that of a freight train or a low flying airplane. 

Indications of a chimney fire have been described as creating loud, cracking and popping noises, a high level of dense smoke, and an intense, hot smell.

Damage resulting from chimney fires is largely due to flames in the lower chimney migrating upward to crack, warp, melt, or otherwise negatively affect the masonry or metal chimney walls. In severe cases, chimney fires can destroy houses and put lives at risk. These tragedies are often preventable: Failure to regularly inspect, repair, and clean a chimney can cause it to malfunction or collect dangerous build-up.

On a linear note, as Daylight Saving Time reaches its end, Darrell Barrett of Barrett & Associates Agency, Inc. and the Georgia Arson Control Board asked to remind the citizens of Towns County that when they change their clocks in November, they can also use the opportunity to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.

“The annual change in time is a good opportunity to make sure your smoke detector has fresh batteries and is functioning properly,” Barrett said. The insurance agent further recommends that Towns County citizens change the batteries in flashlights, weather radios, and other safety devices. Barrett also suggests that the time change be used as a reminder to replace batteries in all other safety equipment used for household emergencies.

 Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m.  The time will fall back one hour.