Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 12/01/2011 16:01

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service crews have attended over 700 chimney fires within the last 3 years, including 156 such incidents between January and March 2010.

With the possibility of more cold weather on the way this winter and increases in gas and electricity prices, more and more people will be enjoying the warmth of a traditional real fire and CFRS prevention team is asking householders to be aware of safety issues when using an open fire.

The advice from firefighters is for householders to have their chimney swept before lighting up appliances, particularly those that haven’t been used for a number of months.

This message is even more crucial for those residents using traditional log fires as debris tends to accumulate in chimneys.

So before you light up, think about the following:

· Chimneys using smokeless coal should be swept at least once a year.

· Chimneys using wood should be swept quarterly when in use.

· 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.

· Do not light fires using flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin.

· Do go into the loft occasionally to check the chimney when the fire is alight.

· Check for smoke from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints.

· Do not store or dry kindling and fuel close to the fire as radiant heat can cause it to catch alight.

CFRS’s Mark Blatchford, Area Manager for the Prevention Department says “There have been occasions where insurance companies have been reluctant to pay out following a house fire caused by a defective chimney so we strongly recommend that people get their chimneys swept by an accredited chimney sweep. This can clear any blockages and it should identify if there are any problems with the chimney.”

Mark went on to say “Any fire produces carbon monoxide so CFRS would like to take this opportunity to remind the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning which can be a killer.”

To prevent this:

· Have appliances installed and properly checked by competent engineers.

· Get chimney or flue inspected and swept.

· Do not overload a fire and only burn fuels it is designed for.

· Fit a carbon monoxide detector.

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