Keep your chimney clean!

With the colder winter nights fast approaching, Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is warning homeowners to get their chimneys swept before lighting their first fires.

The chilly evenings this summer have already led to a number of chimney fires across the area.

Case manager Martyn Jones said: “Cleaning chimneys and flues eliminates the build-up of soot and clears obstructions such as bird and animal nests, leaves and debris. I would urge anyone with an open fire to make sure the chimney is swept on a regular basis – it is worth the effort.”

Chimneys for wood burning fires should be swept every three months when in use. If you burn smokeless fuels or bituminous coal, the chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. An annual clean is sufficient for oil and gas fires.

Other safety tips include:

• Have the chimney properly swept – using a vacuum cleaner alone is not sufficient.
• Make sure your fire receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly.
• Only burn suitable fuels.
• Do not overload the grate or appliance.
• Maintain your appliance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires.
• Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
• Make sure you are not at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning by having appliances installed and serviced by competent engineers. Fit a carbon monoxide detector and never block air bricks, vents or flues.
• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

A wide range of fire safety advice can be found on the Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service website – www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

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