USERS of open fires and wood burners are being warned about the dangers of chimney fires by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
The warning follows a sharp rise in the number of chimney fires attended by firefighters across the county over the last few days.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “As the cold weather continues to bite, open fires are a cosy way to keep out the winter chill. But they can become a serious safety hazard if simple guidelines are not followed.”
Community Fire Safety Officer Jackie Boyle said: “Chimney fires are one of the most common incidents we attend. Many properties have lost the roof, first floor or in some cases been completely destroyed.
“It is very important that anyone planning to light their fire gets their chimney checked and swept. The consequence of a chimney fire isn’t just the damage caused by the fire, there’s the dirt and smell from the soot and smoke, which can affect all of
your personal property.”
The Fire and Rescue Service’s chimney safety advice is:
· 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 chimneybreast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
· 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 you have a working smoke alarm – early detection can save lives.
To find out the contact for your local chimney sweep, contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps on free phone 0800 833464.
For free fire safety advice from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service contact the community safety team on 01243 642878 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
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