The number of chimney fires in Kent has increased considerably, prompting Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to remind homeowners of important safety tips that could be essential if parts such as flue liners for woodburners are set alight.
This last weekend, KFRS fire crews attended 11 incidents across Kent in areas such as Borough Green, Plaxtol, Sundridge, Cranbrook, Marden, Wye, Canterbury Sittingbourne, Milstead and Gillingham.
KFRS has also defined "a build up of soot and ash" as a common cause of chimney fires and has urged residents to avoid storing too much in the roof space of their homes, especially near the chimney breast, as it can be a severe fire hazard.
Lawrence Pater KFRS community safety manager said: "Last year KFRS attended almost 280 chimney fires. Fires of this nature can smoulder undetected for some time and present serious risk to your home and your family."
Meanwhile, on September 26th 2010, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service also warned locals about fire safety after fire fighters were forced to deal with chimney blazes at three different sites within one hour.