Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is once again supporting Chimney Fire Safety Week (7-13 September) by asking people to get their chimneys swept and prevent fires in their home.
Since 2020, RBFRS have responded to 165 chimney fires across the county. That’s why the Service is working with HETAS to promote the maintenance of chimneys and reduce the risk of them causing a fire.
“If you have a chimney or fuel appliance in your home, it’s important that you get it swept regularly by a registered professional to keep your chimney, flues and appliances clean and well maintained,” said Paul Scott, Prevention Manager at RBFRS.
“Always use the correct fuel for your appliance. While some appliances can be multi-fuel others may be wood only, for example. That’s why it’s essential that you check the instructions for your specific appliance.
“As well as keeping your chimney swept, there are a few other things you can do to prevent a fire from starting. Importantly, you should avoid ‘slumbering’ your appliance – unless your appliance has been certified safe to do so.
“‘Slumbering’ refers to when an appliance is turned down low to avoid putting out the fire overnight and needing to relight it the next morning. All it takes is one spark to start a fire, so never leave an appliance unattended.”
Follow our tips to keep your home safe from chimney fires.
Do:
- Ensure chimneys are swept regularly by a professional, and remind friends and family to get theirs swept. Appliances that have been lined still require regular sweeping.
- Keep chimneys, flues and appliances clean and well maintained.
- Be careful when using open fires to keep warm. Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers.
- Use the appropriate fuel for the appliance – check the appliance instructions.
- Make sure working carbon monoxide alarms are placed in any room containing a solid fuel-burning appliance including open fireplaces burning coal or wood. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted, and an alarm can provide an early warning if dangerous levels are present. Test your alarm regularly and replace it in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.
Don’t:
- Interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks.
- ‘Slumber’ an appliance (unless it has been tested as safe to do so). Slumber mode is when an appliance is purposely set at a low or minimum output normally for overnight burning to be revived in the morning without the need for relighting.
- Store the fuel next to the appliance.
When to Have Your Chimney Swept:
- Chimneys should be swept according to the type of fuel used. The following advice can help prevent chimney damage, and, in the worst cases, fires in the home.
- Smokeless fuels – at least once a year
- Bituminous coal – at least twice a year
- Wood – quarterly, when in use
- Oil – once a year
- Gas – once a year (any work on gas appliances requires a Gas Safe registered installer or engineer)
For more chimney fire safety advice, visit the RBFRS website.