On Tuesday January 12, 2016 at 1602 the City of Coatesville Fire Department and Westwood Fire Company were dispatched for a chimney fire in the unit block of First Avenue in Coatesville City. Additional calls to 911 indicated the chimney fire was on First Avenue in Valley Township making that location a Westwood Fire Company local.

Battalion Chief Sly arrived on location at 1609 and advised there was no smoke or fire conditions from the outside of the structure. Engine 44-5 arrived at 1610 and crews investigated the situation finding the fire to be out in the chimney.

Fortunately the homeowner had a service company on site servicing their heating system. When they turned the heater on after three days of malfunctioning it created a fire condition in the chimney flue. The service company quickly turned the unit off and dialed 911 as smoke was pouring out of the chimney.

There are many times when homeowners don't make the right decision in repairing malfunctioning equipment and the result could be fatal. We advise all homeowners to get their heating and chimney systems serviced on a yearly basis to prevent a situation that they will regret.

No fire services were required as it was determined that the fire in the flue had burnt itself out and there was not a smoke condition inside the structure. Westwood units cleared the scene at 1621.