Chimney sweeping warning

Solid fuel fire safety warning as cold weather continues in Cheshire East

After a number of chimney and log burner fires in Cheshire recently, most recently a large fire at a farm in Macclesfield last week, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents and businesses to get their chimneys swept.

With the recent cold weather snap, many solid fuel fires are running on full power to help keep homes warm, but there are dangers that users need to be aware of.

Since April 2014 the Service has dealt with 79 chimney related incidents across Cheshire.

Last week on 13 February 2015, firefighters battled a large fire at a farm on Buxton New Road in Macclesfield Forest that had started in the flue of a log burner.

Having your chimney swept is especially important if people have been using coal and logs for a period of time to heat their homes. Also crews are advising users not to stack logs and wood around any solid fuel fires in a bid to dry the wood, or for decoration, as these could heat up then ignite, causing a fire.

The demand for wood burners and open fires has increased over the last couple of years as families struggle with the cost of fuel. So it is important that extra care is taken and chimneys are swept on a regular basis to reduce the risk of a fire.

Keith Brooks, Head of Prevention and Protection said: "With temperatures dropping recently and the number of calls relating to wood burning stoves and chimney fires increasing, it has prompted this safety call to help keep people and their families safe from fire.

"If you do use this type of heating to warm your home or business, then please take the necessary steps to ensure your chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn. I would also urge everyone to have a working smoke alarm in their home."

• Smokeless coals – Sweep at least once a year
• Wood – Up to four times a year
• Bituminous coal – Twice a year
• Oil – Once a year
• Gas – Once a year

In addition to keeping chimneys and flues clear you should also:

• Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
• Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed
• Do not stack wood and logs around your fire
• Keep materials such as clothes away from a lit fire.

For more information please visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

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