Crime & Safety

Fire Dept. Warns of Chimney Scams

Chief Bombace details shoddy repair practices.

The Ridgewood Fire Prevention Bureau has noticed that chimney repair and chimney cleaning scams are on the rise. Since most people know nothing about their chimneys, this is a particularly easy way for some contractors to cheat unsuspecting homeowners.

Here's how a typical chimney repair and cleaning scam works

A contractor contacts you (via e-mail, phone, etc.) and offers you a special on chimney cleaning for a ridiculously low price, such as $39.95. If you've just moved into a new home, the contractor may say that previous residents (and mention their names to add credibility) used their company.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Once they get to your home, he or she will inspect your chimney and tell you that there is structural damage, or that you need new chimney caps (also known as spark arresters). The contractor may even show you dead birds or pieces of concrete that he or she claims fell down the chimney.

These contractors usually focus on concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning. They often claim that it's really lucky you caught the leak now, since it could be fatal.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In fact, carbon monoxide leakage from chimneys is quite rare. 

Another common scam is for the con artist to claim you need a new liner. Liners are made of clay, cast concrete or metal, and their purpose is to contain the fire and direct it upwards-and they are expensive.

Unfortunately, these contractors often claim good liners need to be replaced. Or even worse, they install new liners in the wrong size or only line part of the chimney, which can be very dangerous.

How can you protect yourself? 

Don't fall for low prices. A legitimate company probably won't take a ladder off the truck for $39. An inspection will probably cost about $75, and a chimney cleaning should go for at least $150 and take at least an hour.

Always ask for, and check, references.

Don't let anyone pressure you into fast action. Shop around and get two or three bids before you make your decision regarding which company to use. Make sure whatever company you use has an up-to-date liability insurance policy.

Please do not have any work done or sign any contracts with a chimney contractor until you call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 201-444-7898 and speak to a fire inspector.

Fire blotter:

The Ridgewood Fire Department responded to 35 requests for assistance from Nov. 22 to Nov. 28.

Description/Number of Calls

  • Fire of cooking appliance: 1    
  • EMT calls: 15    
  • Rescue child locked in a car: 1    
  • Tractor trailer accident: 1
  • Motor vehicle accident: 1     
  • Carbon monoxide incident: 1    
  • Power line down: 1    
  • Hazardous water conditions: 2        
  • Smoke or odor investigations: 4      
  • Alarm malfunctions: 5      
  • Accidental alarms: 3

Other fire announcements: 

The Ridgewood Fire Department has obtained smoke detectors donated by Kidde through the WABC Operation Save-A-Life Program for residents. These detectors are being made available at no cost to senior citizens living on a fixed income or families with low incomes. Please contact Fire Chief James Bombace at 201-444-8822 if you would like to receive these free smoke detectors.

The Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department is currently understaffed and looking for new members. Volunteer firefighters assist members of the career department at major fires, during storms or anytime the on-duty shift needs additional personnel at an emergency scene. All training and equipment will be provided by the fire department at no cost to the individual. Volunteer firefighters attend training drills Mondays between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer member of the Ridgewood Fire Department you can learn more by calling the Ridgewood Fire Department at 201-444-4224 or by visiting its Web site.

Information courtesy of the Ridgewood Fire Department.


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