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29 November 2009

Firefighters are again urging householders to have their chimneys swept before lighting fires to help combat the colder weather.

Last year Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service recorded a 40 per cent increase in the number of chimney fires it attended in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The figure rose from 97 in 2007 to 138 in 2008.

There have already been 135 chimney fires so far in 2009, including seven in the last four days. Firefighters are concerned because there is a traditional peak in calls to chimney fires in December – last year there were 21.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “It appears that more and more people are using open fires and wood burners because of the rising costs of gas, electricity and oil. If you have recently opened up and started to use a fireplace, please make sure it is inspected by a qualified person.

“In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps such as ensuring your chimney is swept regularly. I would also urge all householders to have working smoke alarms in their homes."

Terry is advising people to follow these simple safety tips:

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year – and at least twice a year if you burn wood.
  
  
• When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only.
  
  
• Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.
  
  
• Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.
  
  
• Do not overload the grate or appliance.
  
  
• 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 and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  
  
• Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly.

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, send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk or fill in the online form.

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

More information

• National Association of Chimney Sweeps - www.nacs.org.uk
  
  
• The Guild of Master Sweeps - www.guild-of-master-sweeps.co.uk

Chimney fire statistics - Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes