As winter creeps south, fires will once again become a staple for Door County households. Ephraim Fire Chief Justin MacDonald says that it is best to hire a chimney sweep before you throw some logs on the hearth. An inspection can reveal potential dangers inside and outside your home. MacDonald says birds like to nest in the grating that makes up several chimney caps. The flue needs to be scrutinized as well as the flashing that provides a watertight seal between the roof and masonry. MacDonald says a professional chimney sweep will also look for any materials that can burn up if sparked by a fire.

After a busy summer, MacDonald says call volume has fallen off noticeably since Labor Day. The kitchen is the most common place for a house fire to start, followed by the bedroom and then the chimney, where seven percent of residential blazes originate.