Video

An afternoon fire provides quite a scare for a Bismarck family. Firefighters were called to Northview Lane about 12:30 after a neighbor reported seeing flames shooting through the roof. There were three adults and a pet inside at the time. They were able to get out of the home safely. Officials say it appears to have started in a fireplace insertwith the possibility of build-up in the chimney. Josh Peshek with the Bismarck Fire Department says no matter what kind of fireplace you haveit's important to have it cleaned by a professional once a year. Whether they use their chimney a lot or not because often times animals, birds, or squirrels will nest inside the chimney so we want to make sure there is a nice clear path for that smoke to escape. Peshek also says it's important to burn wood that has been split and sitting for 6 months to a year. He says newer wood is full of moisturewhich will cause more dangerous buildup inside your chimney. Peshek says in the winter months it's also important to have 3 feet of clearance around your furnace or other heating units. And he says to check your fire alarms monthly.