Cut fire risk by having chimneys cleaned, North Lincolnshire householders urged

Lincolnshire fire chiefs are reminding households with open fires and wood burning stoves how important it is to have chimneys checked and swept to reduce the risk of fire.

Chimney Fire Safety Week runs from September 21 to 27, now being the time of year to get chimneys ready for the colder months ahead.  

Cut the risk of chimney fires by having yours cleaned

With a growing number of households now using open fires and wood burners, Debbie Robinson, Lincolnshire's deputy community fire safety manager, says: "In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps such as ensuring your chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn, and I would urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm in their home.
"Over the past year we have attended 146 fires which started in a chimney, five of which developed into house fires, and many could have been prevented had suitable precautions been taken.
"On one occasion the property owner was alerted early to a fire by the smoke alarms that we had fitted only a few weeks earlier which allowed her to raise the alarm very quickly."

HOW OFTEN CHIMNEYS SHOULD BE CHECKED

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 free advice call 01522 582222.