ROCKLAND — Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock is reminding homeowners Sunday morning that a “clean chimney is a safe chimney” following a chimney fire on Suffolk Street around 8 p.m. Saturday.

Rockland Fire and EMS responded to the reported chimney fire, which was noticed by the homeowner just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 3. Whytock said that when the homeowner noticed the smell of smoke in the house, he found the heat from the chimney had burned a piece of furniture that was touching the clean out door of the chimney.

Firefighters arrived shortly after the call to find sparks coming out from the top of the chimney, and a fire that was contained within it. Crews worked to clear the blockage and extinguish the fire.

“This can serve as a reminder that a clean chimney is a safe chimney. Have your chimneys cleaned AT LEAST once a year to prevent damage and creosote build up,” said Whytock. “Thankfully the homeowners were not sleeping when this occurred, as it could have resulted in much more damage, or worse.”

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.