Local chimney fire alert
Crews have been out already to tend to chimney fires, largely caused by a lack of maintenance and regular cleaning carried out.
Station Manager Neil Evans, Deputy Head of Community Safety, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Incidents highlight the importance of sweeping your chimneys. Those householders who rely on chimneys and flues as a source of ventilation must ensure they are cleaned and well maintained, in addition to the heating appliance itself.
“Do not be tempted to clean your chimney with a domestic vacuum cleaner, leave it to a proper chimney sweep. Have your flue inspected regularly to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney in a living space, or in the loft.”
The authority has provided us with these simple tips to greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney:
· Sweep the chimney before use if you haven’t used it for some time
· Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
· Sparkguard can prevent a serious property fire
· Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
· Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.
So how often should you clean your chimney?
Chimney fires have the potential to cause serious damage to your property so ensure your chimney is cleaned in accordance with this guidance from the National Association of Chimney Sweeps:
· Solid Fuel Appliances - once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal
· Wood Burning Appliances - every three months when in use
· Gas Appliances - once a year if designed for sweeping
· Oil Fired Appliances - once a year
For further information about Chimney Fire Safety, please visit Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website http://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/English/Safety/At-Home/Pages/Chimney-Fire-Safety.aspx.
If you wish to arrange a Safe and Well visit with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, please phone 0800 169 1234.
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