1.   Chimney fires usually are confined to the inside of the chimney, but they occasionally escape and spread through the house.

2.   Chimney fires can occur above fireplaces also.

3.   Creosote and soot deposits are highly flammable and are the leading cause of chimney fires.

4.   Creosote buildup is inevitable with wood burning, and too much creosote in the flue can cause chimney fires.

5.   Creosote often is the culprit in chimney fires.

6.   Fire extinguishers formulated for chimney fires are available at home centers and hardware stores.

7.   Still, firefighters and chimney sweeps contend education and the popularity of natural gas fireplaces have cut down on the number of creosote-related chimney fires.

8.   The trees produce an intense fire that burns surprisingly quickly and can get out of control, causing a chimney fire or even burning through a mesh screen.

9.   They cannot always extinguish intense chimney fires, but they can slow the spread of the fire and give you extra time to call the fire department.

10.   With a chimney fire, she said, dangerous amounts of smoke can back up into the house, creating a potentially deadly hazard for occupants.