Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service issues chimney safety advice after Christmas chimney fires (From Western Telegraph)

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service issues chimney safety advice after Christmas chimney fires

1:00pm Tuesday 29th December 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is issuing safety advice, following a spate of chimney fires during the Christmas period.

Santa would have had problems getting down a chimney in Rosemarket on Christmas Eve ; Haverfordwest and Milford Haven appliances were called to a chimney fire in the village which started at around 5.40pm.

They used chimney rods and small gear to deal with the blaze.

On Christmas Day at 6.28pm Crymych crew attended a chimney fire in Crosswell again using small gear and chimney rods to extinguish it.

On Sunday a third chimney fire, this time at Dinas Cross, was dealt with by fire fighters from Fishguard.

"Chimney fires often start due to poor maintenance, with a build up of soot and tar going unnoticed until the cold weather arrives," said a spokesman for the authority.

"You can greatly reduce the risk of fire by ensuring that chimneys are swept on a regular basis.

"We urge all residents to have their flues inspected regularly to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney, in a living space or in to the loft.

"Please do not attempt to clean your chimney with a domestic vacuum cleaner, leave it to a qualified chimney sweep.

"We would also like people to remember to store solid fuel such as wood or coal well away from their chimney system. This fuel can heat and ignite if left too close to a solid fuel burning stove, causing a potentially serious fire."

He added that recent heavy rainfall may result in deposits being washed down the chimney flue which can block the outlet. A defective chimney can cause harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, to escape into the home.

He urged all householders to fit appropriate carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and make sure boilers are inspected regularly.

For more information on general home fire safety or to book a free home fire check visit www.mawwfire.gov.uk. "

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)