Firefighters in Greene County were on the scene of two separate chimney fires on Wednesday morning.
The fires occurred at homes in Athens and Cairo.
The first fire broke out about 5:25 a.m. at 8503 Route 9W in Athens.
Greene County 911 sent West Athens Lime Street Fire Company to the scene.
When the first firefighters arrived, they discovered the fire had spread to the structure and requested Athens Fire Department respond to the scene under mutual-aid.
Everyone was able to get out of the home safely, said West Athens Fire Chief Tim Farrell.
Firefighters went to work locating and extinguishing the fire, which had spread inside the wall surrounding the chimney, Farrell said.
Crews cut a hole in the roof and had to cut into the wall to access areas where the fire may still be burning. They also removed part of the chimney, and removed the wood stove from the house, Farrell said.
There were no reported injuries.
Fire trucks lined the long narrow driveway that lead to the house from Route 9W.
Crews were on the scene for several hours, fighting the fire and checking to make sure it had not spread to any other areas of the home, Farrell said.
The family was able to remain living in their home after the fire was declared out.
Assisting at the scene were Catskill Ambulance, Greene County Paramedics, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and Greene County Fire Coordinator’s Office.
All firefighters were back in service by 8:30 a.m.
The second fire was reported just before 12:00 noon.
Greene County 911 sent Cairo Fire Company to 185 Agnes Drive, after receiving reports of a possible chimney fire at that location.
The first firefighters who arrived on the scene confirmed there was a working fire in the chimney.
Round Top Fire Company was placed on stand-by, but was not needed.
Crews extinguished the fire, and then began checking the home to make sure it had not spread.
The town Code Enforcement officer was requested to the scene.
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, there are more than 20,000 residential fires that start as chimney fires each year.
They recommend that homeowners have their chimney cleaned every fall, before the first usage of the wood stove, and prevent the buildup of creosote in the chimney by using seasoned wood.