Warwickshire residents are warned to check their chimneys as Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has attended a series of chimney fires across the county in recent times.
The Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service have been called out for multiple chimney fire incidents in Leamington Spa, Rugby and Northend, in the United Kingdom, just in the last seven days.
Chimneys need to be swept regularly
Residents are reminded that chimneys must be swept regularly by approved chimney sweeps, as consistent maintenance eliminates the build-up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas-fired systems.
Chimneys require sweeping at different intervals, depending on the fuel used. They can include:
- Chimneys that use smokeless fuel or bituminous coal - at least once a year.
- Chimneys that use oil - once a year.
- Chimneys that use wood - quarterly when in use.
Check for smoke from cracks, defective brickwork
Residents should also go into their lofts occasionally to check the chimney, when the fire is alight
Residents should also go into their lofts occasionally to check the chimney, when the fire is alight. They can check for smoke from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints. These indicate repair work is needed for the chimney.
Councillor Andy Crump, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue, and Community Safety at the Warwickshire County Council said “We want everyone to stay safe during the colder months this year. I would encourage homeowners to think about the last time their chimney was swept and to plan ahead to the next time it will be required.”
Use fire guards to protect against hot sparks
Councillor Andy Crump adds, “Please make sure that all embers are extinguished, before you go to bed and make use of a fire guard to protect against flying hot sparks.”
Chimney fires are often preventable, but if the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give people the extra time that they need to escape in a house fire.