Chimney Fire Safety Week: Residents encouraged to act now to prevent winter fires

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents with open fires, wood burners and solid fuel appliances to get their chimneys swept and appliances checked ahead of the colder months.

The reminder comes as part of Chimney Fire Safety Week (7-13 September 2026) which encourages occupiers to take simple steps to reduce the risk of fire in the home.

In the year ending March 2026, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 62 chimney fires. While chimney fires remain preventable, they can cause serious damage to homes and put lives at risk if chimneys and appliances are not properly maintained.

A build-up of soot, tar or debris inside a chimney can increase the chance of a fire starting, particularly when fires are used more regularly during autumn and winter. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging residents to use a registered chimney sweep, burn appropriate quality-assured fuel and make sure smoke alarms are working.

To help stay safe, residents should:

• Have their chimney swept regularly by a registered professional, especially before using it again after a long break.

• Use the right fuel for their appliance and choose quality-assured fuels where possible.

• Check appliances, flues and liners for signs of damage or poor performance.

• Keep chimneys, vents and airways clear and avoid overloading a fire or stove.

• Have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home and test alarms monthly. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room which has appliances that burn fossil fuels.

• Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if a fire starts.

Watch Manager Sy Wray said: “Chimney fires are often preventable. Taking time now to get your chimney swept, use the correct fuel and test your smoke alarms can help protect your home and family when temperatures drop. If you know someone who may need help arranging a chimney sweep or checking their alarms, please pass this advice on.”

Here are some FAQs:

Why it’s important to inspect fireplaces and chimneys before colder weather

Before lighting a fire for the first time this season, check your chimney and fireplace for any signs of damage, such as cracks or deteriorating mortar. It’s also good practice to have your chimney professionally swept before winter, particularly if it wasn’t cleaned at the end of the previous heating season.

Signs a chimney may need sweeping or maintenance

When using your fire for the first time, ensure smoke is drawing properly up the chimney and not entering the room. Poor draw, smoke ingress, excessive soot or unusual odours can indicate a blockage or maintenance issue. Every home with a solid fuel or gas appliance should also have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed nearby.

Common issues homeowners overlook

A fireguard is one of the most overlooked but important safety measures for open fires and log burners. It helps prevent hot embers from escaping and igniting carpets or furnishings. Never leave a fire unattended, particularly around children or pets, and keep combustible materials at least one metre away from the fireplace or stove.

Safety risks of poor chimney maintenance

Poorly maintained chimneys can increase the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Often called the “silent killer”, carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and confusion, with severe exposure potentially proving fatal.

How often chimneys should be professionally cleaned

The type of fuel you burn will determine how often your chimney needs sweeping. National guidance recommends that chimneys serving open fires or wood-burning stoves are swept at least once a year by a qualified professional, such as those accredited by HETAS or the National Association of Chimney Sweeps. If you regularly burn bituminous coal, more frequent sweeping may be needed.

Using wood-burning stoves and open fires safely

Burn the right fuel
Only burn dry, seasoned wood with a moisture content below 20%. Avoid burning treated or painted wood, household waste or wet timber, as these can produce toxic fumes and contribute to dangerous tar build-up in the flue.

Let the fire burn down naturally
Avoid extinguishing fires with water before leaving the house or going to bed. Instead, allow the fire to burn down, spread the embers, cover them with ash and close the air vents.

Dispose of ash safely
Ash can remain hot for several days. Always place cooled ash in a metal container with a lid and store it at least one metre away from buildings, sheds or other combustible materials.

What to do if you have a chimney fire

If it’s safe to do so, close the damper, doors or air vents to restrict the fire’s oxygen supply. Leave the property, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service. Never throw water onto a chimney fire, as this can cause severe damage and create dangerous steam. Do not re-enter the property until firefighters advise it is safe to do so.

For more home fire safety advice, visit the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service website and check whether you qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Visit. If you live outside North Yorkshire, contact your local fire and rescue service for support and guidance.

ENDS

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Note to editors 

The annual Chimney Fire Safety week campaign takes place 7-13 September 2026

For more advice please see Chimney Fire Safety Week 2026 from Hetas and we have FAQs on our website Chimney Fire Safety – North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

Fire Stats from Fire statistics data tables – GOV.UK

Interviews:

For pre-recorded interviews about Chimney Fire Safety Week – Watch Manager Sy Wray is available between 2pm – 3pm on Tuesday 8th September.

Please contact Media@northyorksfire.gov.uk to book a slot.