Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 10/09/2009 11:59

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is joining forces with coal merchants and chimney sweeps to highlight the dangers of chimney fires and give advice on how to guard against them.

The number of chimney fires in Cornwall is on the increase. During the winter of 2008 / 2009 the number of such fires were up from the previous year by around 30%.

Mark Kass, Crew Manager Community Safety has organised for a special leaflet to be distributed by coal merchants and chimney sweeps, as well as by fire crews at community safety events, warning of the dangers.

Mark comments: “As the credit crunch starts to bite and fuel bills rise, it seems that more people are using open fires and wood burners. It is very important that anyone planning to light their fire this winter gets their chimney checked and swept. The cost of having your chimney swept can be as little as £30 which is small when compared to dealing with the damage and cost of repair from a fire, not to mention the potential human tragedy.”

Speaking of the initiative, Cornwall Council cabinet member for Stronger Communities, Lance Kennedy, said: “It’s great to see the service working to promote safety messages with local specialist businesses.”

The Fire Brigade has prepared a special leaflet which advises

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
Spark guards 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
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and check it works regularly!
Visit the Brigade’s 'fire safety in the home' page on chimney fires for much more detailed information on protecting your home and how to find a registered chimney sweep at www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire

If you have any concerns about fire safety, advice is free and easy to obtain. Telephone 0800 3581 999 or send an email to fire@cornwall.gov.uk

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7278