Get that chimney swept!

Get your chimney swept before winter urge firefighters

With this year's summer not being quite as warm as we would have hoped, and the colder nights fast approaching, firefighters are reminding people with wood burners and solid fuel stoves to get their chimneys swept.

This advice is being given as part of Chimney Fire Safety Week 2017 (4-10 September) which provides a timely reminder to make sure that your chimney is ready for the winter months ahead.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging householders to ensure their chimney is safe and to have their chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep.

There were 102 chimney fires in Cheshire, Halton and Warrington from April 1st 2015 and March 31st 2016. This year's Chimney Fire Safety Week calls for homeowners to clean up their act and get their chimneys swept by a registered sweep to prevent chimney damage, and, in worse cases, house fires.

Here's some safety advice:

• 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
• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained

Visit www.chimneyfiresafetyweek.co.uk for advice, tips and information on how to find your local registered chimney sweep.

How often should you have your chimney swept?

• Smokeless coals 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

For more information please click here

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