In some towns, the number of chimney fires has doubled compared to last year, and the culprit may be the economy.

Mattapoisett firefighters responded to three chimney fires in 2012. Fire Chief Andrew Murray said this year the department responded to seven reported chimney fires.

As the price of fuel rises, so does the number of calls to chimney sweep Chris Podrecca.

The difference this year is that less and less people are opting to have wood stoves professionally installed. Usually due to sticker shock.

“They see what’s involved and what the final cost will be, and a lot of times that’s a sticking point for people,” said Podrecco, who runs Chimney Sweep professional in Mattapoisett.

In years past, customers asking about wood stoves would usually be willing to invest in a properly installed system. Now it seems people are dropping the idea, or attempting to save money by installing wood stoves without professional advice.

“I can relate, being a young guy and not having a lot of money, to want to do it yourself. But at the same time you’re dealing with fire and your dealing with your home,” he said.

He said wood stoves aren’t difficult to operate but do require some knowledge.

“Unfortunately I don’t think a lot of people try to understand how a wood stove works, and they assume you just throw some wood in and light a match,” Podrecco said.

“I think people take it for granted that a wood stove can burn your house down.”

On Nov. 26, Marion firefighters knocked down a chimney fire at 597 Mill Street caused by an illegally installed wood-burning stove.

In a letter, Marion Building Inspector Scott Shippey warned the homeowners that they could be fined $100 for the offense and up to $1,000 for the third offense. Each day the wood stove is in use constitutes a new violation.

It was discovered while Marion firefighters were inside the home.

Marion Fire Chief Tom Joyce said the town hasn’t seen a large increase of chimney fires this year compared to last, but  he cautioned residents to make sure their chimneys are inspected regularly.

Of the seven Mattapoisett chimney fires, the most dangerous one occurred in February when a fire completely destroyed a house at 22 Crystal Spring Road and left one firefighter with a torn ligament in his knee.

Murray said the firefighter recently had  a second surgery and is still on the mend.

The department had another close call earlier this month. Two residents, John Flanagan and his son J.R., were in the house when fire broke out.

“We had a fire in the fireplace...and we happened to notice something was terribly wrong,” said John. “There wasn’t much of a fire but we just happened to see smoke going out behind the sheet rock.”

John and his son, like others in the tri-town, turned to the fireplace for heat out of economic necessity.

With a cold snap in the forecast, John called an oil company for a delivery. However, he was told that at least $500 worth of oil had to be purchased, which was more than the two could afford.

They lit a small fire, but a crack in the mortar caused flames to escape into the walls then into the ceiling and attic.

Murray said all of the fires he’s seen this year have taken place in fireplaces and wood stoves. To avoid a damaged home, or worse, Podrecco said residents should hire a professional.

“Fifty dollars is what it costs to get an inspection to make sure everything is set up right,” he said. “That would seem worth it...as opposed to burning your house down.”