Speaking to the Eastbourne Herald yesterday, Community safety manager Steve Wright said: “Chimney fires are a common cause of fire in dwellings and can cause widespread damage. “An open fire is an ideal way to keep warm this winter but without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous. In the last two years alone we have attended more than 420 incidents involving chimney fires.” East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have offered the following safety tips for people to follow:
  • Make sure you have a working smoke detector installed in your property.
  • Ensure your chimney is swept regularly.
  • Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
  • Be careful when using open fires. Make sure you always protect against flying sparks from hot embers.
  • Ensure the fire is extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Chimneys should be swept according to the type of fuel used (always consult your NACS chimney sweep for advice).
  • Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents.
To find a certified chimney sweep, or for more information on chimney fire safety, visit www.nacs.org.uk - External Link or guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk/