Chimney fire warning (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Chimney fire warning

1:00pm Saturday 18th February 2012 in Somerset By Phil Hill

Chimney fire warning

PEOPLE in Somerset are being asked to take care after a spate of chimney fires.

The advice comes from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service after crews tackled 39 chimney blazes in the two counties in the week to February 12.

Fire investigation officer Mike Burroughs said: “With the recent cold snap people have naturally been warming up their homes by lighting the traditional home fire, but without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous.

“To keep yourself and your family safe from fire you should take care to have your chimney swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn.

“If the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give you the extra time you need to escape in a house fire – make sure you test yours regularly.”

He recommends regular sweeping to allow the free passage of dangerous combustion gases – if you use smokeless coal, oil or gas, sweep once a year; for wood, four times a year; and twice a year for bituminous coal.

Wood burners should also be checked regularly to ensure they are safe and clean.

DSFRS offers the following tips for safer chimneys.

*use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks; *make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed or leave the house.

*only burn dry, seasoned woods.

*never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.

*don’t overload the grate.

*remove bird nests, cobwebs and other blockages.

*fit a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector.

Check your alarm weekly, change the battery annually and vacuum and wipe the alarm annually.