Chimney warning from Warwickshire fighters as cold season approaches - The Stratford Observer

Chimney warning from Warwickshire fighters as cold season approaches

Stratford Editorial 18th Sep, 2021   0

FIREFIGHTERS are urging Warwickshire residents to look after their chimneys as the colder season approaches.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is calling on homeowners to act responsibly and get their chimneys swept by an approved sweep.

This prevents damage and, in worse cases, household fires.

Fire and rescue services in England attended 3,105 chimney fires in the last recorded year with the majority occurring in the autumn and winter months between October 2020 and March 2021.




CEO of Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme, Bruce Allen, said: “Sweeping your chimney twice a year and using a quality assured fuel is the key to prevention. Not only does this remove soot and tar deposits, but it also gives sweeps the opportunity to check for any problems with the chimney or liner.”

Warwickshire County Council spokesman for fire safety Andy Crump added: “I would encourage homeowners to have their chimney swept regularly before the colder months set in and they begin to use their fire again. The time to act is now while we experience the last remainders of the warmer summer weather. Should a fire start unexpectedly, a working smoke alarm can give you an early warning of the danger and a fire plan can also ensure people inside the affected building can escape the fire.”


Residents are advised to have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of their home and a carbon monoxide detector in every room with a gas or fuelled appliance such as a boiler or gas fire. Carbon Monoxide detectors can reveal deadly gas build-ups from heating and cooking appliances fuelled by coal, wood, oil or gas if they are faulty, have been poorly installed or fallen into disrepair.

Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety/chimney-fire-safety-advice for more guidance.

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