Chimney fire catches resident off guard!
Check your chimney – before it’s too late! That’s the message coming from firefighters in north Warwickshire after a recent incident left a local resident needing treatment for smoke inhalation.
The resident, who was from Baddesley Ensor, raised the alarm on the morning of the 4 October after her front room began to fill with smoke. Crews from both Atherstone and Polesworth attended the incident, which has left them concerned for other local residents.
Leading Firefighter, Andy Freeman said: “When we arrived the front room was heavily smoke logged and it was difficult to see whether anyone was still inside. Luckily the female occupant was safe and unhurt apart from minor smoke inhalation.
"The reason the smoke was so intense was because the flue to the chimney was blocked and so all of smoke from the fire was coming back down the chimney and into the front room.“
Although not a regular occurrence, chimney fires can be extremely dangerous. Often small fires can smoulder for hours or even days in the chimney flue and therefore can easily go undetected, until it is too late.
Andy continued: “In order to avoid a chimney fire it is essential that it’s cleaned regularly, especially when it has not been used for a couple of months over the summer period.
"We recommend that chimneys be swept thoroughly at least twice a year to remove debris, soot and bird’s nests etc. The resident involved in this incident was lucky to be here to tell her story, you may not be. If you are unsure whether your flue is blocked please get it checked before using!”
For more information on how to keep your home safe call 01926 466282 and find out whether you are eligible for a free Home Fire Safety Check. Alternatively you can complete an application form on-line.