Local firefighters prepare to respond to common winter fire hazards

With a particularly cold winter increasing reliance on fireplaces and wood stoves, chimney fires remain a common and dangerous risk. That’s why members of the Dryden Fire Department regularly train to safely and effectively manage these incidents.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, our firefighters practiced chimney fire suppression techniques. With chimney fires, the objective is to safely remove burning material from the fireplace or wood stove, then extinguish the fire within the chimney without causing damage.

If the fire has breached the chimney and extended into the surrounding structure, it presents a much more serious situation. In these cases, firefighters may need to cut away walls or siding to locate and extinguish the fire extension, ensuring it is fully out before it can spread further. This type of response may result in considerable damage, but it is necessary to protect the larger structure and prevent a larger fire.

Friendly reminders:

• Have your chimney or stovepipe cleaned and inspected annually
• Burn only well-seasoned hardwood