Firefighters extinguished a chimney fire that spread to an attic space and surrounding walls on Tuesday night.

According to an Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) release, fire units from ACFR and Newberry Fire Rescue responded at 11:20 p.m. to a reported chimney fire. The location of the residence was not disclosed.

Firefighters discovered the fire had spread into the surrounding walls and attic space, but were able to isolate the blaze and save the structure, preventing displacement of the resident.

An investigation revealed that the buildup of creosote inside the chimney led to the fire. Creosote is a highly flammable, tar-like substance that builds up inside chimneys from incomplete wood burning. A common misconception is that burning hardwoods, like oak, prevents this buildup. All soft and hard woods produce creosote.

ACFR wants to remind residents of the importance of having their chimneys cleaned annually before lighting their first fire of the season.