Thomaston, ME - The Thomaston Fire Department was dispatched to a reported chimney fire, sending units C-1, C-3, E-3, L-2, E-4, and Ambulance 1 to the scene. Upon reaching the residence, crews discovered the blaze was confined to the chimney itself. Firefighters immediately divided into several teams, working on various floors to keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the house.

Ladder 2 crews accessed the roof and used chimney chains to remove built-up creosote from the flue. Interior teams on the second floor reported significant heat radiating from the chimney bricks and adjacent wall, with temperatures exceeding 300°F, posing a risk of fire extension.

After additional creosote was cooled and removed, conditions stabilized, and the home was safely returned to the homeowner. The intense heat had cracked the clay liner in several places, allowing smoke to seep through the chimney mortar into the attic, underscoring the extreme temperatures chimney fires can reach.

Thanks to the number of personnel on scene, the department was also able to respond quickly to a separate fire alarm at a local boarding home, which was ultimately determined to be caused by a faulty detector.

The department reminds homeowners that regular chimney inspections and cleanings are crucial, especially during heating season, as creosote buildup can ignite rapidly and create dangerous conditions.

The Thomaston Fire Department extends gratitude to its dedicated members for their swift response and commitment to community safety.