Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 17/10/2006 15:28

South West Fire and Rescue Services are urging the public to make sure they have their chimneys swept before lighting fires in their homes. Community Safety Officers across the region would especially like the owners of thatched homes to be extra vigilant at this time of year.



Cornwall County Fire Brigade attended over 250 chimney fires last year.



“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” said Community Safety Officer Tony Penrose.



He added: “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



A thatched roof is particularly at risk from fire. Once a fire has taken hold in a thatch it will spread rapidly. The commonest causes of fire in a thatched building are electrical faults, lightning striking the television aerial, stray sparks from chimneys, discarded cigarettes and garden bonfires.



Tony Penrose added: “Television aerials should be fitted to a freestanding pole or gable end and you should disconnect the TV aerial during electrical storms.”



“Remember a chimney or thatched roof fire could spread into the rest of your home, resulting in severe damage, personal injury or even death.”



To find a local chimney sweep contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps on freephone 0800 833464.



Anyone wishing to obtain further fire safety advice or to request a free home safety check should contact the Cornwall County Fire Brigade freephone helpline 0800 3581 999.