Squirrels Causing Chimney Fires In Shorewood: Chief

SHOREWOOD, IL — Two families in Shorewood over the past three years have been displaced from their homes because squirrels built nests in the chimneys, leading to fires that caused in excess of $100,000 structural damage to both homes, Troy Fire Protection District interim fire chief Paul Hertzmann informed Patch.

Hertzmann provided Patch with three different photos of chimney types that are attractive to squirrels in the Shorewood area. The most recent house fire happened around 7:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve. Several family members inside the house, preparing for their Thanksgiving holiday event, managed to escape the fire and call 911 after discovering their chimney was on fire.

That house is in the 500 block of Ca-Crest Drive. The second-floor roof sustained major fire damage, and the drywall was also damaged.

"It is not habitable right now," Hertzmann told Patch during this week's interview.

In both Shorewood house fires, Hertzmann said the squirrels have gone in or around the top of the chimney and built a nest between the outer visible portion of the chimney and the inner structural components of the fireplace chimney.

"These nests are not visible from the roof or in most cases the attic space," Hertzmann noted. "If you have a chimney like the ones in the pictures below, do not use your fireplace unless you have had it inspected. Put screening around so the critters can't get in there."

The fire from a couple of years back happened on Ridge Drive, and the homeowners were displaced for about a year while their house was being rebuilt, Hertzmann said.

"I’m concerned that someone is going to get hurt in one of these fires. Especially if people go to bed and do not realize that their attic could be on fire," Hertzmann said. "There are many squirrels in that area because of the mature trees.

"I don't want anybody to get hurt, or a firefighter."

Hertzmann said that homeowners can call a local chimney sweep company or a handyman to conduct a chimney inspection.

Sometimes, the squirrels can get into the attic without anybody inside the house noticing their presence.

In any event, people can contact the Troy Fire District at 815-725-2149 if you have any questions.