Plymouth chimney sweep warns of dangers of chimney neglect
Emily Wilebore is backing the 'Burn Better' campaign
Chimney neglect can pose real health, safety, and environmental risks, with domestic burning a major contributor of harmful fine particulate matter.
New research has revealed that 52% of homeowners are failing to adhere to Government advice that a chimney should be swept at lease once a year.
This year, householders are being urged to 'Burn Better', as Plymouth chimney sweep - Emily Wilebore - urges people to follow the campaign:
"Making sure the chimney's in tip top condition mightn't be at the top of your list. But with colder weather coming in, you'll want to be ready to light a fire with the reassurance that it'll be safe to do so.
"By following simple Burn Better steps such as regular servicing and using cleaner fuels, we can all help to improve air quality - while enjoying a cosy home."
Emily set up her business 'Emily the Sweep' in 2016. She warns that neglect can be dangerous, as the build-up of soot and tar can become a fire hazard.
Last year there were 3,130 chimney fires in England - many of which would have been preventable with regular sweeping.
The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps is supporting the 'Burn Better' initiative to encourage householders to use their fireplaces safely.
The campaign, supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Solid Fuel Association and HETAS, the solid fuel and safety standard organisation, also provides tips and advice on using cleaner fuels at home.
Burn Better advice:
- Choose the cleanest fuels: Before purchasing always check what fuels are suitable for your appliance. When buying wood look out for the 'ready to burn logo' and make sure you store it in a dry place. When choosing a manufactured solid fuel, such as briquettes or fire logs, choose a brand that indicates its 'suitable for use in smoke-controlled areas' these give off less smoke.
- Make sure your wood is ready to burn: Dry wood produces less smoke and more heat. If you're producing your own logs for burning, store them in a dry area, allowing them to air dry for at least 12 months. Before burning, use a moisture meter to check the water content of the logs are less than 20%.
- Service your stove: Getting your stove serviced annually by a maintenance engineer will ensure your appliance performs better, using less fuel to produce more heat. If you're thinking of upgrading your appliance consider getting one with a Defra exemption or that's Eco-design Ready. These give off less smoke and are more heat efficient.
- Keep your chimney safe: In the year April 2019 to March 2020 3,130 houses in England had chimney fires as a result of a build-up of flammable tar. Most chimney fires are preventable and are largely due to infrequent sweeping, so always book in an annual sweep
For more information and to learn about the steps you can take to Burn Better this winter visit: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/burnbetter/.