As the weather gets colder, many people are starting to utilize their fireplaces to heat their house. However, if the chimney hasn’t been properly cleaned before now, it could start a house fire. Riverside Fire Chief Chad Smothers says chimneys should be cleaned and maintained once a year before use. Chimney fires can start because there’s a build up inside the stack which can develop over time. Depending on the quality of the chimney, any fire could stay contained within, but often times the stack or pipe can overheat and cause fires in the attic. Smothers adds, early recognition is important, so if you start to smell something strange coming from your fireplace or attic, call 911 immediately. There are many chimney cleaning services available, and if you’re unsure of who to talk to, Smothers advises contacting your heating and air conditioning company.