www.mawwfire.gov.uk
Chimney Fires
Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys.Simple tips to greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney:
- 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;
- Sparkguard 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.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY CHIMNEY?
Chimney fires have the potential to cause serious damage to your property so ensure your chimney is cleaned in accordance with this guidance from the National Association of Chimney Sweeps:-
| Type of Appliance | Chimney Sweeping Frequency |
| Solid Fuel Appliances | Once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal |
| Wood Burning Appliances | Every three months when in use |
| Gas Appliances | Once a year if designed for sweeping |
| Oil Fired Appliances | Once a year |
Do not be tempted to clean your chimney with a domestic vacuum cleaner, leave it to a proper chimney sweep. Have your flue inspected regularly to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney in a living space, or in the loft.
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 FREE on 0800 833464 or visit their website on www.chimneyworks.co.uk
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A CHIMNEY FIRE?
- Raise the alarm in the house to let others know
- Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service – we treat chimney fires like any fire in the home
- 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 fire guard or spark guard 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
Useful website: www.solidfuel.co.uk
REMEMBER
WITHOUT PROPER MAINTENANCE, ANY FLUE FROM A FIRE OR STOVE CAN CAUSE A DANGEROUS BUILD UP OF CARBON MONOXIDE GAS.
A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR WILL HELP PROTECT YOU FROM THIS RISK.
© Gwasanaeth Tân Ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru | © Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service