Sedona’s new year rang in with more snow than most had seen here in recent memory and as a result, higher-than-normal use of fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.

And with that additional use comes certain precautions that need to be taken.

Fire Marshal Gary Johnson, of the Sedona Fire District, said crews have responded to both a fireplace and chimney fire just days after the first of the year. The chimney fire occurred on Jan. 2 in Oak Creek Canyon and caused an estimated $5,000 in damage while an estimated $10,000 worth of damage was caused by a fireplace blaze in the Chapel Road area.

“Half of all heating-related fires in the United States occur in December, January and February,” Johnson said. “Chimneys and fireplaces should be inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional. In addition, we know working smoke alarms save lives. When was the last time you checked your smoke alarms?”

To read the full story, see the Friday, Jan. 9, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.