Kind of a weird post. But was out at a cottage where I was taking photos and the owners had to get their chimney cleaned in nearby cottage.
They had hired a local company to do it, the person who showed up was NOT a Chimney Sweep at all, simply somebody who wanted to do it on the side. Well yes they can do that.. but it was obvious that this individual had no training, no understanding and did not even have the proper tools for the job.
It really does help to get the right team onboard who are WETT Certified Chimney Sweeps and not only know how to do it but actually perform and DO IT WELL.
Check out RAW CHIMNEY SWEEP and good luck.