Chimney fire after first winter cold

GAINESVILLE - We're having the first real cold snap of winter, and Hall County Fire officials say it's typically when they get busy.

Fire Chief David Kimbrell said homeowners often don't maintain heating devices in the off-season. It's something that can lead to fires when you start using them.

"Quite often we see fireplaces that have some type of a crack in the flu, and we also see space heaters that have items placed too close to them," Kimbrell said.

"Having that chimney checked out and serviced is a lot cheaper than having to replace part of you home or your entire home," Kimbrell added.

Hall County fire crews had to shut down Ledan Road in Hall County Saturday morning because of a minor chimney fire. That call came in the 9:00 a.m. hour.

Kimbrell said firefighters extinguished the blaze. He said the homeowner planned to call out a chimney sweep.