Spike in local chimney fires

There have been a number of local chimney fires over the past fortnight prompting a warning from fire chiefs for owners to carry out essential cleaning.

The local stations have hit Twitter to share awareness of the increased number of call-outs they have had to attend lately, and have backed it up with advice to owners.

Crews from Welshpool, Montgomery and Llanfair Caereinion have all been busy in recent days.

“Chimneys must be kept clean to prevent fires and structural damage,” the fire service said via Twitter. “Local stations have dealt with an increased number of chimney fires lately so we urge owners to read our advice.”

That advice includes having the chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year, and if wood is burning the frequency should increase to every three months.

For more advice, visit http://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/English/Safety/At-Home/Pages/Chimney-Fire-Safety.aspx.