Bucks firefighters issue open fires warning

Following a number of recent incidents involving chimney fires, Bucks firefighters are warning those with working chimneys and stoves about how to avoid flames spreading beyond the fireplace.

With low seasonal temperatures, many people are tempted to make use of their log burner, woodburning stove, open fire, or kitchen range to help generate a cosy atmosphere.

These all make use of chimneys and flues to remove the products of the combustion process out of the house and into the atmosphere.

Bucks Fire and Rescue Service says that in order to avoid the risk of a fire, chimneys and flues should be cleaned and checked regularly to ensure they are free from debris and nests and in full working order.

Joanne Cook, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team, said: “To avoid the risks a blocked or defective chimney or flue can bring, please make sure your chimney is swept regularly, and that you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. We recommend testing alarms once a month to check they will sound the alert when you need them to.”

Safety advice if you have a woodburning stove:

• Before using a new woodburning stove, check your installer has supplied a carbon monoxide alarm, fitted a notice plate and given you the manual.
• If you are having a wood, solid fuel or biomass burner fitted to your home, choose a HETAS registered engineer.
• When you have a wood, solid fuel or biomass burner fitted, it’s a legal requirement for your installer to give you a compliance certificate.
• Always use the fuel the manufacturer recommends for your burner.
• Single skin stainless steel liners should never be used with wood or multi fuel burners.
• Stainless steel flue liners should be replaced after 15 to 20 years.
• General safety advice relating to chimneys and flues

Frequency recommended for sweeping your chimney:

• Smokeless coal – at least once a year
• Wood – up to four times a year
• Bituminous coal – twice a year
• Oil or gas – once a year

Top tips for safer chimneys

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
• If you have recently opened up, or are about to start to use, a fireplace make sure it is inspected by a qualified person.
• Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
• When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only. Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.
• Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers.
• Don’t leave or store combustibles close to the fire source, leave a good space between as heat could transfer through direct contact and cause a fire.
• Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed.

To find a certified chimney sweep, follow the link:

Find a Chimney Sweep - APICS – Association of Professional Independent Chimney Sweeps