Firefighters issue chimney fire safety warning
With the continued rise in fuel costs, it is expected that more and more people will be finding alternative methods to keep warm this winter.
Electric heaters and traditional log fires are just some of the examples.
In light of this firefighters from Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are asking residents in Stratford to take extra care when lighting up appliances that haven’t been used for a number of months. This message is even more crucial for those residents using traditional log fires, due to the debris, which tends to accumulate in chimneys over the summer months.
So before you light up, think about the following:
* Chimneys using smokeless fuel / bituminious coal/oil should be swept at least once a year
* Chimneys using wood should be swept quarterly when in use
* Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times, sparkguards can prevent a serious property fire
* Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
* Do not light fires using flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin.
* Do not burn paper or rubbish on fires in the grate
* Do go into the loft occasionally to check the chimney when the fire is alight.
* Check for smoke from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints
Crew Manager, Mike Franklin said:
“Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help to eliminate the build-up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas-fired systems. It also clears obstructions such as birds nests, leaves and debris. So before you light up this winter, just take the time to have your chimney swept or electrical and gas fires checked by a qualified engineer.”
Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, Councillor Richard Hobbs said:
“Over a two year period there have been around 100 chimney fires in south Warwickshire. This is a real cause for concern. Advice is available on how to reduce the risk of having a fire in your home and I would ask residents to take the time to log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue to find out more.”
As well as promoting chimney fire safety, firefighters are also reminding residents about the dangers of Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be a killer. To prevent this:
* Have appliances installed and properly checked by competent engineers
* Getting chimney or flue inspected and swept
* Not overloading a fire and only burning the fuel it is designed for
* Fitting a carbon monoxide detector
For further information on fire safety log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue or http://www.chimneyworks.co.uk