A. Have your chimney and fireplace cleaned and inspected yearly for creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks and obstructions by a certified chimney sweep.
     B. Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns.
     C. A flue fire can ruin your chimney or stovepipe. To prevent flue fires, burn dry, well seasoned wood. Burn small hot fires. Don't burn trash.
     D. Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping. (If children are present, use a special child-guard screen as a barrier for your woodstove.)
     E. Evans Valley Fire/Rescue offers free use of chimney brushes. Call the station at 582-0678 to reserve them or drop by to see if they're available (they frequently are).