New Chimney Sweep Business Brings Old-World Craftsmanship to the West End
Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 30, 2026
As summer gives way to cooler weather, a new local business is encouraging homeowners to prepare their fireplaces before the first fire of the season.
Another Chimney Sweep, owned by Bobby Hilt of Forks, is now serving customers from Lake Crescent to West Jefferson County, including Neah Bay, offering chimney sweeping, inspections, chimney repairs, glass replacement, brickwork, and creosote removal.
Hilt said he apprenticed with an experienced chimney sweep in the Joyce area, where he learned traditional techniques that are becoming increasingly rare.
“I had a great teacher,” Hilt said. “I learned everything from sweeping and inspections to rebuilding chimneys and even how to make traditional mortar.”
The profession itself has a rich history. Chimneys were once found only in the homes of the wealthy, making chimney sweeps a familiar sight in medieval Europe. Over time, they became symbols of good luck, a tradition that continues today in many countries, where seeing or shaking hands with a chimney sweep is believed to bring good fortune.
While the history is fascinating, Hilt says today’s chimney sweeps play an important role in keeping homes safe.
“People don’t burn hot enough fires,” he explained. “That allows creosote to build up inside the chimney, and that’s what can lead to chimney fires. Once you’ve heard a chimney fire, you’ll never forget the sound.”
With wood-burning season just around the corner, Hilt recommends homeowners have their chimneys cleaned now rather than waiting until fall, when schedules become busier. He takes care to protect customers’ homes during every cleaning and works carefully to minimize dust and fumes.
Because the business is locally based, Hilt said customers throughout the West End won’t pay extra mileage charges. Chimney sweeping services start at $110.
In addition to chimney services, Hilt also assists homeowners with nuisance wildlife problems.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Another Chimney Sweep at 360-545-0661.
