Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Rural Metro fire officials are urging homeowners to get their chimneys cleaned and inspected following a fire Wednesday afternoon in the 5700 block of Strawberry Plains Pike.

Rural Metro officials say crews were called to the home just before 1:00 p.m. Once there, they found heavy fire coming from a wood stove in the basement.

It was reported that a large amount of cardboard was placed in the stove; officials say that led to the buildup in the chimney catching fire.

If you have not had your chimney serviced in sometime, fire officials advise not using it until you do, adding that your life could depend on it.

 “Please make sure you’ve had those chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected. You’ve not had that service this year” urged Rural Metro Public Information Officer Jeff Bagwell. “Please don’t use it until you do so. Your life could depend on it!”

Strawberry Plains Pike was shut down temporarily as firefighters worked the scene; the roadway has since reopened.