Chimney Fire Safety

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is reminding local householders to ensure their chimney is fire safe while the weather is fine by booking a registered chimney sweep during Chimney Fire Safety Week which runs from July 25–30.

With summer in full swing, the inviting warmth of an open fire is the last thing on most peoples’ minds, but it’s best to check that your chimney is ship shape in the summer months when it’s out of use. Despite the warm weather peak season for the country’s professional chimney sweeps is in fact drawing very near.

 

With registered sweeps’ diaries filling up fast Kent Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and The Guild of Master Sweeps to urge householders to book their appointments now.

  • Kent Fire and Rescue Service has provided some top tips for safer chimneys.
  • Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
  • Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed
  • Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained

 

Kent Fire and Rescue Service partnership manager Stuart Tickle said: “An open fire an ideal to keep warm in the winter, but without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous. The latest statistics show that there are approximately 6,000 chimney fires a year in England, but most of these are preventable.

 

“To keep yourself and your family safe from fire you should take care to have your chimney swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn, before the colder winter months set in and you begin to use your fire and chimneys again. If the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give you the extra time you need to escape in a house fire – make sure you test yours regularly.”

 

Regular maintenance of your chimney will depend on the fuel you burn:

  • 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

 

Martin Glynn, the President of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps said: “All chimneys and flue-ways should be cleaned and checked during the summer months to ensure they’re free from debris and in full working order before the heating season. A blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisonings so it’s very important to employ a professional qualified Chimney Sweep such as those certified by NACS.”