Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within your chimney.
Simple tips to reduce the chances of a fire in your chimney
These simple tips will greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney:
- sweep the chimney before use if you haven't used it for some time
- ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
- sparkguards can prevent a serious property fire
- extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
- never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire
How often should you clean your chimney?
We recommend the following simple maintenance routines:
- solid fuel appliances - should be swept once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year if you're using coal
- wood burning appliances - should be swept every three months when in use
- gas appliances - once a year if designed for sweeping
- oil fired appliances - once a year
If you have a chimney fire
- dial 999 and ask for the fire service. It will help if someone can wait outside to meet us
- if you have a conventional open fire, extinguish the fire in the grate by gently splashing water onto the open fire a little at a time allowing the steam to vent up the chimney
- if you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible
- move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments
- place a sparkguard in front of the fire
- feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat
- if a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away
- ensure that access to your attic or roof space is available for us as we will want to thoroughly check this area for signs of possible fire spread
- if smoke starts to enter your property, move outside as soon as possible
