Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Port Gaverne Port Isaac at 20/10/2014 17:45

One appliance from Delabole attended a chimney fire in Port Gaverne. Firefighters used chimney rods and tools to extinguish the fire.

There are no further details available regarding this incident.

Simple tips to greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney:

•Sweep the chimney before use
•Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
•Sparkguards 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!
The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has a network of fully insured members throughout the country, who work to a Code of Practice. For more details telephone 01785 811732 or email office@nacs.org.uk

Or visit the the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps website.

How often should I clean my chimney?
We recommend the following simple maintenance routines:

Solid Fuel Fires - Once a year for smokeless fuel; twice a year for coal
Wood Burning Fires - 4 times a year when in use
Gas Fires - Once a year if designed for sweeping
Oil Fires - Once a year

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 and Rescue Service for a chimney fire - it has the ability to destroy your home.