Chimney Fires 27th Nov 2006

CHIMNEY FIRE INCIDENTS - DOUBLE DURING NOVEMBER

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are concerned over the recent spate of Chimney Fires throughout the County. Chimney fires usually represent 1% of the Fire and Rescue Services workload, so far this month, the figure is running at 5%.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attend approximately 275 chimney fires every year, the winter months being the busiest due to the cold weather.

Usually, chimney fires present little risk to homes, but on rare occasions can start fires in roof spaces which can quickly spread.

Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Station Manager Carl Boasman says "We would like occupiers using solid fuel or gas appliances to follow some simple advice that could prevent a chimney fire starting. On most occasions, chimney fires present a small risk to property, if dealt with quickly. Left unattended, they could develop into a serious property fire." He continues "Chimney fires often start due to poor maintenance. A build up of soot and tar over the previous winter months can go unnoticed until the cold weather arrives. Homes can greatly reduce their risk of having a fire by ensuring that chimneys are swept on a regular basis."

Carbon Monoxide, known as the silent killer is present when fuel is burnt on an open fire, or in a gas appliance. Regular cleaning of chimneys and flues reduces the risk of dangerous fumes entering the home. Tragically, every year, people lose their lives to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Advice to Households

Regular sweeping and maintenance of chimneys and flues eliminates the build up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas fired systems. It also clears obstructions such as bird and animal nests, leaves and debris.

• Chimneys using smokeless fuel should be swept at least once a year.
• Chimneys using bituminous coal should be swept at least once a year.
• Chimneys using wood should be swept quarterly, when in use.
• Chimneys using oil should be swept at least once a year.
• Chimneys using gas should be swept at least once a year.
• Flues and the ventilation for flues and chimneys should be inspected at least once a year.
• Check the roof space regularly, when a fire is lit, to ensure that smoke is not leaking into the roof space.

Chimneys should be swept by a competent contractor to BS6461. For details contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps, Free phone 0800 833464 or Website http://www.nacs.org.uk/

Station Manager Carl Boasman finishes by saying "Thankfully, serious incidents caused by chimney fires are rare, but households must be vigilant and try to prevent fires starting. The Fire and Rescue Service offers a free home Fire Safety Check to every household. During this check, crews can fit Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors, along with giving advice on how to make homes safer. Visit http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/ or call 01609 788545 for more details."