Eastern Berks Fire Department

Barto, PA

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Be sure to have chimney cleaned before using fireplace

 October 26, 2020

Each year, Eastern Berks Fire responds to numerous chimney fires.
   Sometimes they are contained within the chimney and can be extinguished.
   Other times, they spread to a roof or inside the walls, causing significant, if not catastrophic, damage.
  This article appeared recently in the Reading Eagle explaining the need for maintaining your chimney.

++++++++++++++++

HOME MAINTENANCE
from Reading Eagle October 26, 2020  p. B1

By Paul F. P. Pogue

Angie’s List

Long story short: If you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace and you plan on using it this winter, then yes, you need to hire a professional chimney sweep. Wood-burning fireplaces add a lot of comfort and appeal to your living space, not to mention lower electric bills, but they also require careful and regular inspection.

The average price for a professional yearly chimney cleaning is $250, although this varies greatly depending on the amount of potential work needed to clear it out. If your fireplace already receives regular maintenance, this will cost closer to $100. However, if you haven’t cleaned it in some time and have several years of buildup, the price can go as high as $800. You’ll pay even more if there is damage that hasn’t been corrected.

If you have a gas fireplace, you have much less buildup, but don’t overlook the need for an inspection. A clear exhaust path is vital for a gas fire, and it can still deposit corrosive substances in your chimney. Internal damage or exterior blockage, such as bird’s nests, can cause further backup and even push dangerous carbon monoxide into your living space. A pro sweep can identify these problems, clear out obstructions and offer solutions for internal damage.

A chimney professional will use a wire brush attached to flexible rods that extend into the flue in either a top-down or bottom- up method. This gets rid of debris and the potentially dangerous build-up of combustible creosote.

Chimney cleaning is a serious job best left to trained and experienced professionals. Seek out a chimney sweep with a respected certification, such as from the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

It has a higher risk level than other home services because it so often involves getting onto the roof. Protect yourself from liability by verifying anyone you hire is licensed, bonded and insured.

The National Fire Protection Agency identifies three levels of chimney inspection, each more detailed than the other.

LEVEL 1» This is the minimum routine inspection. Technicians will examine the readily accessible portions of the exterior, verify that the flue is structurally sound and look for obstruction and combustible deposits. If nothing goes wrong, this generally costs between $80 and $200.

LEVEL 2» This is required when any changes are made to the system, such as changing the shape of the flue or replacing an appliance. This is highly recommended when a home is sold or outside events such as weather damage have possibly affected the chimney. It often involves sending a camera down the flue for a detailed assessment and thorough check of surrounding structures. Expect to pay between $100 and $500 for this.

LEVEL 3
»
 This is the most detailed level of inspection, necessary when structural damage is almost certain. Parts of the chimney may need to be deconstructed so the inspector can ascertain damage. You’ll pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for this service.

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Eastern Berks Fire Department "We Got it Done"

2 weeks ago

Eastern Berks Fire Department "We Got it Done"

Friday 01/08/21 @ 09:12hrs Company 97 and Medic 505 were dispatched to the 900 block of Route 100 in Washington Township for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. D97 arrived to find one vehicle up an embankment, leaning on a pole. Crews from rescue and attack 97 worked to stabilize the vehicle and remove the passenger side door for the driver to crawl out. Crews stood by while Berks-Mont Towing & Recovery LLC removed the vehicle and assisted with clean up. 97 units on scene: Rescue 97, Attack 97, Utility 97, Brush 97 ... See MoreSee Less

Friday 01/08/21 @ 09:12hrs Company 97 and Medic 505 were dispatched to the 900 block of Route 100 in Washington Township for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. D97 arrived to find one vehicle up an embankment, leaning on a pole. Crews from rescue and attack 97 worked to stabilize the vehicle and remove the passenger side door for the driver to crawl out. Crews stood by while Berks-Mont Towing & Recovery LLC removed the vehicle and assisted with clean up. 97 units on scene: Rescue 97, Attack 97, Utility 97, Brush 97Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
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  • Likes: 58
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Mike Rhoads

Holy crap!

Hopefully they’re ok , prayers !

I came up on this today, prayers for everyone involved, it looked scary

Wow! That's a bad day right there. Hopefully they are ok.

I know omg very scary

How in the?

Kyle Conrad

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Eastern Berks Fire Department "We Got it Done"

2 weeks ago

Eastern Berks Fire Department "We Got it Done"

1/5/2021
@20:05 hours Companies 97,95,58 & Montco 65 were dispatched to the 100 block of N 4th street in Bally Boro for a reported garage fire. Chief 97 arrived and reported a working fire in the garage extending into the residence. Crews deployed multiply hand lines from Engine 97 & Engine 97-1 making a quick knock of the fire and stopped it from extending into the other 2 residences on either side of the fire building. Thanks to our mutual aid companies and fire police for the assistance. 97 units on scene Engines 97 & 97-1 Tankers 97 & 97-1 Rescue 97 & Attack 97.
... See MoreSee Less

1/5/2021
@20:05 hours Companies 97,95,58 & Montco 65 were dispatched to the 100 block of N 4th street in Bally Boro for a reported garage fire. Chief 97 arrived and reported a working fire in the garage extending into the residence. Crews deployed multiply hand lines from Engine 97 & Engine 97-1 making a quick knock of the fire and stopped it from extending into the other 2 residences on either side of the fire building. Thanks to our mutual aid companies and fire police for the assistance. 97 units on scene Engines 97 & 97-1 Tankers 97 & 97-1 Rescue 97 & Attack 97.Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment
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  • Likes: 68
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  • Comments: 10

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Nick Salkowski

Great job Eastern Berks Fire Department! 🤗

Good job Eastern berksglad you could save the majority of the houseyou guys are always on the ball makes me feel a lot safer when I go to sleep at night that you guys are there for us

If there are needs for the families involved, please contact Calvary’s Closet in Barto. They can be provided with clothing, shoes and basic housewares to help them get reestablished. CalvarysClosetBarto@gmail.com

Thank you, EBFD!!!!

Nice stop strong work

Good Save!...

Thanks for a job well done

Thank you. This is my mom’s very good friends home🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Doesn't look like the house is too bad, thankfully.

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Eastern Berks Fire Department "We Got it Done"

3 weeks ago

Eastern Berks Fire Department "We Got it Done"

The officers and members of EBFD would like to wish everyone a healthy and safe New Year. ... See MoreSee Less

The officers and members of EBFD would like to wish everyone a healthy and safe New Year.
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Eastern Berks Fire Department
PO Box 43
Barto, Pa 19504

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