ROYAL CITY - All of that woodcutting you did over the summer is about to pay off. As the weather turns nasty and the house gets cold, there is nothing like sitting next to a warm, crackling fire.

"It is, however, disturbing to have a knock at the door from your neighbor informing you that there are three-foot flames coming out of your chimney," says Grant County Fire District No. 10-11 Training Captain Christian Davis.

When this happens, it can result in serious damage to your chimney, home, or even result in personal injury when you scurry onto the roof with a garden hose in a frantic effort to douse the flames.

GCFD 10-11 remind all homeowners, as it gets colder, it would be a good idea to have chimneys serviced by a professional. A lot of people do not realize how common chimney fires are and what can be done to reduce the risk of occurrence.

According to Davis, every wood-burning home should burn clean and fully-dry wood. It is imperative to have a regular cleaning program.

"There are many reputable firms that can inspect, clean, and repair your chimney," Davis said.

Another aspect of wood burning is to have adequate clearance around your fire place or wood stove. Stacking newspapers and wood next to your wood stove or in an area that is subject to flying sparks can very easily cause a fire.