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Safety warning following chimney fire
BUCKS Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people with open fires to make sure their chimneys are swept regularly following a chimney fire yesterday.
Firefighters were called to The Strand, Quainton, at 1.39pm. Three appliances and crews from Aylesbury and one from Waddesdon attended with the turntable ladder from High Wycombe on standby. There were concerns that the fire would spread because the property and nearby homes have thatched roofs. The crews worked effectively to prevent the fire from escalating.
Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's community safety team, said: "As we approach winter, I would urge anyone thinking about lighting a fire for the first time this year to have the chimney swept beforehand.
"Whatever fuel you burn, it is important to keep the chimney clean and to make sure soot and ash are not allowed to build up."
He is advising people to follow these simple instructions:
Have your chimney swept at least once a year more frequently if you burn wood
Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly
Only burn suitable fuels
Do not overload the grate or appliance
Maintain your appliance in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires
Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted as an additional
Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
Fire safety advice is free and easy to obtain from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service. If you would like any advice or information, please contact the community safety team on 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk
Sent: 02/11/2007
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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