Fire Department Fights Chimney Blaze

firefighters were among several departments that answered a two-alarm call to 337 Madison Ave. late Tuesday afternoon.

A clogged chimney failed to properly vent a fireplace, itself catching fire and forcing choking smoke into the residence.

"The chimney was packed with creosote and other material," Madison Fire Chief Lou DeRosa said. "It was choked down to about one-eighth of its [venting] capacity."

Seven firefighters from Madison responded with two engines, a ladder truck and rescue truck to the call, along with the and . Fire personnel from Chatham and Florham Park also provided assistance, said DeRosa.

After the fireplace was cleaned out, firefighters used a technique called "chaining," dropping heavy chains down into the chimney and manipulating them to dislodge accumulated material. Chemicals were used to extinguish the flames, because water could cause the chimney's ceramic liner to crack.

The house sustained minor damage from smoke, which was vented by firefighters. No injuries were reported. The homeowner was advised to have the chimney professionally cleaned and inspected before using the fireplace again.

An online search listed Phil Bernardo Photography & Video at the address.

DeRosa said the incident points up the importance of having a chimney checked annual and cleaned regularly, and to only burn quality hardwoods in the fireplace, which produce less creosote build-up.