Cambridgeshire Fire And Rescue Service Urges People To Stay Fire Safe During Winter

Residents are urged to take simple steps to protect themselves from accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning as they look to keep warm and reduce energy use this winter. 

As temperatures drop heading into the coldest part of the year, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is highlighting the potential risks of finding alternative, unsafe ways of heating and lighting their homes as the cost of living continues to increase.

Stay Fire Safe campaign

The Service is supporting National Fire Chief Council’s Stay Fire Safe campaign to provide advice to help reduce the fire risks in the home.

Head of Community Fire Safety, Group Commander - Rob Olivier, said "It’s really important that, as we all try to cope with the rise in the cost of living, we don’t put ourselves or our loved ones at risk. We all need to stay warm and well as the weather gets colder, but we don’t want that to be at the expense of our safety."

Working smoking alarms

If you have a heating appliance that doesn’t run off electricity, have a carbon monoxide alarm nearby"

Rob Olivier adds, "Everybody should make sure they have working smoke alarms, preferably one on each level of the home, and test them regularly. Also, if you have a heating appliance that doesn’t run off electricity, have a carbon monoxide alarm nearby, as it’s the only way to detect this harmful, colorless and odorless gas, which can be fatal.”

chimneys and open fires

Many people will be utilizing chimneys and open fires to heat their homes to help offset the cost of energy.

Group Commander - Rob Olivier added, "While open fires warm up a home and create a cozy atmosphere, it’s really important they are used safely. People should take the necessary steps to look after their chimneys, making sure they’re well maintained and swept regularly.”

Maintaining the chimney

He continues, “We would advise getting a chimney cleaned and swept before lighting it for the first time when the cold weather arrives, as there could be a buildup of debris that’s accumulated over the year.”

Rob Olivier stated, “As the cost of living continues to bite, there is the temptation to save money and skip the sweeping, however, the debris buildup in the flue can be set alight when heating the home, which could cause a significant fire and be even more costly."

Chimney Safety Tips

The Service attends around 100 fires a year involving chimneys, most of which could be avoided by following some simple safety tips: 

• Appoint a skilled and technically competent chimney engineer.
• Keep the flue shafts clear and ensure they are well-maintained. 
• Only use properly treated wood to build a fire. 
• Always use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers. 
• Make sure embers are properly put out before individuals go to bed. 

online home fire check

CFRS is encouraging people to complete an online home fire check for themselves and their loved ones

As part of the campaign, CFRS is encouraging people to complete an online home fire check for themselves and their loved ones.

Answering a few simple questions will provide specific fire safety advice and tips on keeping households safe from fire. For those most at risk of fire, CFRS can visit the home to provide help and advice.

Fire safety tips

To help keep residents’ fire safe, here are some top safety tips: 

• Check any heating appliances are in good working order and not subject to a product recall by checking the Office for Product Safety and Standards website for any alerts or recalls. 
• Ensure flammable items such as furniture and drying clothes are placed away from heaters and fires. 
• Ensure you use the correct fuel for woodburning stoves and open fires to reduce the risk of toxic fumes, chimney fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Check escape routes, and make sure they are clear of clutter and items such as portable heaters are not blocking them.
• If possible, don’t skip boilers and gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe engineer to prevent gas leaks and CO poisoning. Landlords must arrange for an annual gas safety check in rented accommodation. If an individual is a homeowner check the energy provider’s website for information about their Priority Services, Register, if they are eligible they often offer a free annual gas safety check along with other support.