Advise from Hampshire Fire and Rescue

Prevent Chimney Fires
Reduce the potential of a fire in your chimney
Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within your chimney.
Simple tips to reduce the chances of a fire in your chimney
These simple tips will greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney:
* sweep the chimney before use if you haven’t used it for some time
* ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
* sparkguards can prevent a serious property fire
* extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
* never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire

How often should you clean your chimney?
We recommend the following simple maintenance routines:
* solid fuel appliances – should be swept once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year if you’re using coal
* wood burning appliances – should be swept every three months when in use
* gas appliances – once a year if designed for sweeping
* oil fired appliances – once a year
If you have a chimney fire
* dial 999 and ask for the fire service. It will help if someone can wait outside to meet us
* if you have a conventional open fire, extinguish the fire in the grate by gently splashing water onto the open fire a little at a time allowing the steam to vent up the chimney
* if you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible
* move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments
* place a sparkguard in front of the fire
* feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat
* if a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away
* ensure that access to your attic or roof space is available for us as we will want to thoroughly check this area for signs of possible fire spread
* if smoke starts to enter your property, move outside as soon as possible.

Call Safer Chimneys now to book your annual sweep.

Havant, Waterlooville, Portsmouth, Hayling, Emsworth, Fareham, Meon Valley, Petersfield.