From the Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts:
Chimney Fire on West Coral Road
On Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5:38 p.m., the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded to the area of S. Route 23 and W. Coral Road in unincorporated Marengo after a passing citizen reported fire coming from the chimney of a residence.
Crews arrived within minutes and located the home in question in the 21400 block of W. Coral Road. Firefighters confirmed embers were actively discharging from the rooftop chimney.
The incident was upgraded to a working fire response due to smoke inside the home and the potential for fire extension beyond the chimney.
Firefighters accessed the roof to investigate the chimney and used a limited amount of water to extinguish residual buildup that had ignited inside the chimney.
Additional crews checked the interior of the home and confirmed the fire was contained to the chimney with no extension into the structure.
The residence was ventilated, and firefighters assisted with cleanup of water near the fireplace before clearing the scene.
The home was occupied by two elderly residents at the time of the incident.
No injuries were reported, and the home remains habitable.
Chimney fires commonly occur when creosote, a flammable byproduct of burning wood, accumulates inside a chimney and ignites.
This winter has been unseasonably cold, and many residents are using fireplaces and wood burning stoves more frequently, increasing the risk of chimney fires when systems are not properly maintained.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts strongly encourage residents to have chimneys cleaned and inspected regularly by a qualified professional, particularly before and during the heating season.
Only clean, seasoned firewood should be burned in fireplaces and wood burning stoves.
Construction materials, treated lumber, and pine contain resins, sap, and adhesives that significantly increase creosote accumulation and elevate the risk of a chimney fire.
Warning signs of a chimney fire may include loud cracking or popping sounds, dense smoke, or sparks and embers exiting the chimney.
If a chimney fire is suspected, occupants should exit the home immediately and call 911.
Routine fireplace maintenance and safe burning practices play an important role in reducing fire risk and protecting homes during the winter months.
