Chimney repair workers should make homeowners aware that if the flue liner for their woodburner is not installed correctly it could pose a health hazard.
George Stephens, senior fire risk management officer for Auckland, told the East and Bays Courier that flue liners for woodburners must be fitted correctly to avoid fires and other problems.
"We have a problem with incorrect installation of woodburners, with about 40 fires in the country each year attributed to poor insulation. There are also about ten fires a year involving woodburners that are attributed to operator failure," he said.
The New Zealand Fire Service recommended that people have their flue liners for woodburners installed by an experienced professional and that chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year.
Fireplace Village recently claimed that chimney flues are the area which requires most maintenance, as one break or crack can stop the whole system from working.