Oxford,
14
January
2019
|
08:30
Europe/London

Get sweeping for chimney fire safety in Oxfordshire

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CHIMNEY FIRES - STANDARD

With nearly 50 percent of chimney fires in Oxfordshire taking place between January and March, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service has launched a ‘get sweeping’ campaign.

Many householders, despite being safety conscious, don’t check the first-floor link to their chimneys, where debris and dust can accumulate in the redundant upper floor fireplace. It can ignite and cause a chimney fire. The advice is to check this space regularly and make sure it is clear.

The advice is being issued as part of the council’s commitment to helping people live safe and healthy lives.

Wood burners

Guidance for owners of wood burners includes not stacking logs next to the fire. They might look nice, but there’s a risk of accidental ignition via radiated heat over time. Store firewood outside, away from buildings. The wood burner should never be left unattended when lit.

Always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers. Make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed.

Bird's nest

The most recent chimney fire was at a property in the village of Stanton Harcourt, near Witney. The cause was a build-up of debris, including a bird’s nest.

Occupant, Donna Hawes, said: “The chimney hadn’t been cleaned for a couple of years, but we don’t regularly use the wood burner fire, so didn’t see it as a problem.

“In fact, it wasn’t wood burning that caused the blaze. My daughter was burning some paper receipts when we noticed excessive smoke billowing from the chimney. Luckily, the fire didn’t really take hold, once the bird’s nest was incinerated. The fire crew just dampened down the brickwork to ensure it was completely extinguished.

“But we recognise it was a lucky escape. The house stank of smoke for a couple of weeks but at least the property wasn’t damaged. We’ll have the chimney cleaned regularly from now on, and make sure the pot is fitted with a protective bird guard to prevent nesting.”

Regularly cleaned

Chris Barber, Home and Community Safety Manager, from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“All chimneys and flues should be regularly cleaned and checked to ensure they’re free from debris and in full working order, ready to use safely when the weather gets colder.

“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.

“If the worst should happen, working smoke alarms can give you an early warning. Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly. And don’t keep this advice to yourself – pass it on. Is there anyone you know who may need your help in organising a sweep or testing their alarms?”

Never be complacent

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, the County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, explains:

“We should never be complacent when it comes to fire prevention. Householders have probably had their chimneys swept in readiness for winter, but many don’t check the first-floor link, where debris and dust can accumulate in the redundant upper floor fireplace.

“People with a wood burners also need to ensure their chimney is cleaned regularly for the same reason, and it needs to be noted that there is the risk of logs igniting from radiated heat.

“Open fires provide a relaxing and atmospheric way to keep warm, but, please follow our safety tips to make sure a cosy home doesn’t become a danger zone.”

For further information on wood burners and chimney safety, visit the website www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/log-fires