DWFRS: Plea to keep chimneys clean to prevent fires
The service say they've attended a number of blazes in recent weeks
There's a plea for homeowners with chimneys in Dorset and Wiltshire to keep them clean, and stay safe with open fires in the home.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue say they've had to deal with a number of chimney blazes in recent weeks.
Temperatures are also set to drop a little once again next week, increasing the likelihood that we'll be using our fireplaces.
If you have an open fire in your home, you're encouraged to:
- Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
- Make sure that embers are properly put out before you leave the property or go to bed
- Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
Group Manager Graham Kewley said:
“A combination of colder weather and trying to keep costs down means people are more likely to be lighting fires or using woodburning stoves. Chimneys should be swept twice a year as a minimum to remove accumulated soot and tar, as well as making sure that the chimney is clear of debris.
“Green, or unseasoned, wood, shouldn’t be used as it smoulders with long burning embers and produces a lot of creosote and not much heat. Build-ups of creosote in a chimney or flue can become highly flammable and dangerous. You should also avoid burning painted, coated or treated wood, as this can release harmful gases.”
Another danger is the storage of wood and other fuel immediately next to a woodburning stove, as heat can build up and lead to a fire igniting.
Blocked or defective chimney flues also carry the risk of leading to carbon monoxide poisoning so, as well as getting chimneys swept, people are encouraged to fit smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.
There's more safety advice on the DWFRS website.