The reason your chimney needs annual cleaning and a chimney sweep is because the smoke produced by your fire has tiny unburned flammable solid particles and oils from the wood which adhere to the walls of your chimney flue as soot. This … Continue reading →

Seasonal influenza (flu) is an infection of the respiratory system (lungs) caused by influenza viruses. Flu occurs most often every year during the late fall through the winter months. Influenza can cause complications such as pneumonia, and can lead to … Continue reading →

Winter driving on roads and highways in the snow-capped Sierra Nevada can be a pleasant adventure or it can be a frustrating, tiring an sometimes even hazardous undertaking. The California Department of Transportation, Cal/Trans, provides the following information to help … Continue reading →

A chimney or flue fire occurs when the build-up of creosote gets hot enough to burn. The fire can spread from the chimney or flue through cracks, loose mortar, small separations in flue pipe, and/or loose or missing flue caps … Continue reading →

Winter storms can be deadly. Extreme cold can cause hypothermia (an extreme lowering of the body’s temperature) and death. Fireplaces, emergency heaters, and candles can cause household fires. Toxic fumes, such as carbon monoxide, from heaters can cause asphyxiation (unconsciousness … Continue reading →

The extraordinary snowfall in the region creates deep snow that can damage LPG pipes, valves and tanks. Explosions and fires can occur, causing injuries and deaths. The following safety tips for proper care of LPG pipes, valves and tanks during … Continue reading →