Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Rumford, near Padstow at 13/11/2008 00:01

Firefighters from Padstow attended following a report of hot walls and cracking in a property. The crews used a thermal imaging camera to determine that the fire was confined to the chimney and a stirrup pump and rods were used to extinguish it.

General Fire Safety Advice:
In the event of a chimney fire...
Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service. It will help if someone can wait outside to meet them.
If you have a conventional open fire, extinguish the fire by gently splashing water onto the open fire.
If you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible.
Move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments.
Place a sparkguard in front of the fire.
Feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat.
If a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away.
Ensure that access to your attic or roof space is available for the Fire Service as they will want to thoroughly check this area for signs of possible fire spread.
Always call the Fire Service for a chimney fire - it has the ability to destroy your home.

Make a Clean Sweep of It!

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=2030