VIDEO: The Lemay Fire Protection District has responded to so many chimney fires over the years that the department’s firefighters have created their own bucket of tools designed specifically for chimney-related fires.
The bucket is made of metal, which gives firefighters a safe place to deposit hot embers. Firefighters can wet towels stored inside the bucket to create steam. The steam can help extinguish a chimney fire while minimizing water damage to a home.
Bags filled with fire-extinguishing materials are also stored inside the bucket. Firefighters can drop them down a chimney. “It’s an extinguishing agent that’s exactly like your fire extinguisher that you would have in your kitchen,” Lt. Jason Brice, Lemay Fire Protection District, said. Brice advises anyone using their fireplace this season to make sure it’s inspected annually.