16 December 2008

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people with open fires to make sure their chimneys are swept regularly following 14 chimney fires so far this month - six over the weekend in Chesham, Beaconsfield, Ivinghoe Aston, Bletchley, Wavendon and Hanslope.

Paul McShane, from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “As the weather turns colder, I would urge anyone thinking about lighting a fire for the first time this year to have the chimney swept beforehand.

“Whatever fuel you burn, it is important to keep the chimney clean and to make sure soot and ash are not allowed to build up.

 “We are particularly keen to bring this to people’s attention in the light of national reports that more and more people are using open fires and wood burners because of the rising costs of gas, electricity and oil.”

Most insurance companies will no longer pay out for claims made due to chimney fires unless the chimney has been swept by a professional chimney sweep and a valid certificate of sweeping issued that is recognised by insurance companies.

It is important to note that chimney fires can burn explosively, with flames and dense smoke shooting from the top of the chimney, which can be detected quickly by homeowners, neighbours or passers by.

However, there are slow-burning chimney fires that, although not as dramatic or as visible, can reach very high temperatures and can cause severe damage to the chimney structure - and nearby combustible parts of the house.

Paul is advising people to follow these simple instructions:

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year – more frequently if you burn wood
  

• Use seasoned woods only (dryness is more important than hard wood versus soft wood considerations)
  

• Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke
  
  
• Never burn cardboard boxes, waste paper or Christmas trees - these can start a chimney fire
  
  
• Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly
  
  
• Only burn suitable fuels and never use your fire as a waste paper bin – this can start a chimney fire
  
  
• Do not overload the grate or appliance
  
  
• Maintain your appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  
  
• Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires
  
  
• Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
  
  
• Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted
  
   
• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
  
  
• Ensure wood burners are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
  
  
• If you have recently opened up and started to use a fireplace, make sure it is inspected by a qualified person

Fire safety advice is free and easy to obtain from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. If you would like any advice or information, please contact the community safety team on 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk

For general advice about fire safety in the home, please click HERE