It was a total of 21 calls last week for the Okotoks Fire Department.

The Okotoks crew responded to six alarm system activations, ten medical responses, two motor vehicle accidents, an elevator rescue, one incident with a child locked in a running car and one structure fire.

Fire Chief Ken Thevenot says the structure fire took place in Woodglen Place on Friday night, November 18.

"The residents were home at the time when the fire started in the chimney chase of the house, in behind the wall of the fireplace. It was people passing by that noticed the flames coming out which we then alerted the residents inside. There was no injuries to the residents or the firefighters on scene."

The fire department had the fire under control within 30 minutes but stayed on scene for a total of two hours to inspect the house and contain remaining hot spots.

Thevenot says there is a number of ways to maintain your chimney in order to avoid incidents like this.

"Burn dry clean wood that has been seasoned, just to ensure you don't have that creosote build up and if you are not sure you can phone and ask us. Make sure you clean your chimney once a week, every two weeks for sure, especially at this time of year when it's warm but with cooling temperatures."

If residents have any questions about chimney clean up the Fire Services department is available to answer questions at 403-938-4066.

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