HAMMONTON - A chimney fire Monday night has fire officials hoping that people will make sure that they burn their fires in an efficient and safe way.

Charles Dispoto and his wife Janice now see this charred debris where their chimney once was.

Monday night, after adding logs to his stove, the fire quickly went out of control, prompting a response from the Hammonton Fire Department.

Although the fire was put out, the Dispoto family is now displaced, while the costs and methods of repair are calculated. The whole situation highlights fireplace safety as winter rolls in.

We spoke with Donald Young of Clean Sweep Chimney Service, who suggests using wood that's been drying out for a year to even 18 months.

That way you can be sure it's dry enough to burn as hot as it can and not leave resins from the wood clogging your chimney.

Young also suggests investing in a chimney cap to keep out animals and prevent hot ashes from escaping.

NBC40 Video: Chimney fire spreads to Hammonton house

HAMMONTON - Officials are now investigating the cause of a house fire in Hammonton Monday evening.

It happened around 5 PM Monday evening on Basin Road.

Firefighters say it began in the fireplace but spread outward from the chimney into the rest of the house.

According to officials, members of the family living there were able to get out of the house and no one was injured.

Firefighters are reminding people that it's important during the winter season to use fireplaces safely.

Call Recording

This is a VOX recording. It is condensed and not in real time.

Fire Knocked down on arrival. Elwood crew assist with overhauling.

HAMILTON TWP. -

Smoke and flames are being used to "prevent" wildfires today at Lake Lenape park.

The Atlantic County Division of arks along with the state Forest Fire Service burned four acres at the Hamilton Township park today.

The county says these controlled burns are part of a program aimed at preventing wildfires.

This was the first of four burns the county intends to take place.

Two burns are planned for the Atlantic County park in Estell Manor and a fourth is planned for the cologne track in Hamilton Township.

County officials hope to have the burns completed by March 15th

Tanker 16-5 responded with a full crew. Stood by  on location. All Station 160 units were clear at 10:37am