Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

St Marys Terrace, Lower Drift, Buryas Bridge at 13/10/2006 09:26

Firefighters from Penzance, St Just and St Ives tackled a chimney and roof fire using hosereels.
They quickly extinguished the fire and stopped it spreading any further.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade would like to remind the public that chimneys should be swept by a competent chimney sweep at least once a year, preferably before you light the fire for the first time in the autumn. If you regularly burn wood we recommend that the chimney is swept twice a year.
Having your chimney swept will ensure that the flue is not blocked, and that smoke and gases can escape safely.

Other helpful safety tips include:
• Always keep a fire guard in front of a burning fire

• Do not place clothes or other flammable material on the guard or too close to the fire

• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house

• Use fire lighters never flammable liquids

• Make sure you have a bedtime safety routine to keep your family safe

• Check that your smoke alarm is working

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