Because of poor chimney upkeep, thousands of households face chimney fires every year. The majority of chimney fires, according to fire officials, were caused by creosote, a byproduct of incomplete wood combustion that accumulated along chimney walls, blocked the flue, and had the potential to catch fire.

The Evergreen Fire Company advised locals to take preventative measures using recommendations from the Countryside Fire Protection District. Recommendations included having chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected annually, burning only dry and properly seasoned hardwoods, operating wood stoves hot enough to reduce buildup, and avoiding construction scraps or treated wood. Fire officials also stressed the importance of proper airflow, reminding residents to keep dampers open and allow sufficient air supply during fires. Following these precautions helped significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires during the heating season.