Chimney fire reminder: check heating systems

CLEVELAND - A house fire in White County serves as a reminder to have your heating systems checked as cold weather arrvies.

The Underwood Farm Road fire was caused by a creosote buildup in a chimney which had not been cleaned "in quite some time," according to White County Fire Department spokeswoman Ana Newberry.

"At about 10:30 this morning (Monday morning), the occupant of the home called 911 saying he believed he had a chimney fire at the home he was renting," Newberry said. "Upon arrival, fire units entered the home...while some went to the roof to start watering down the chimney."

According to Newberry, it was determined that the fire started in the creosote.

Newberry added the fire department urges all homeowners to have their chimneys cleaned at least once a year to help prevent this type of fire that can easily destroy a house if it is not contained and spreads.

There were no injuries in Monday's fire.

(AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)