Isle of Wight wood burner fire prompts safety warning

A safety warning has been issued following an incident where a dustpan was accidentally left on top of a wood burner at a property in Ryde, Isle of Wight.

Ryde firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 4 pm on Sunday evening (15 December). They extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet and removed the melted dustpan. Fans were deployed to clear smoke from the property.

Wood Burner and Open Fire Safety Advice:

To prevent similar incidents, follow these key safety tips:

• Ensure your wood burner is properly installed, maintained, and serviced regularly by a qualified professional.
• Place your wood burner on a fire-resistant base—never directly on hardwood floors or carpets.
• Use only the recommended type of wood or coal for your stove.
• Clean your chimney or flue at least once during the heating season and again at the end of it.
• Always use a protective fireguard to shield against sparks.
• Remove ash and burnt fuel only once it has fully cooled.
• Keep all flammable materials at least 3 feet away from your wood burner or stove.

For more information about safely heating your home visit our website.