Chimney fire
Firefighters were called to a chimney fire in Chappel last night after the residents heard their smoke alarms going off.
On arrival, crews reported that flames and embers were coming out the top of the chimney but due to difficult access to the roof and chimney, firefighters worked to tackle the fire from the ground.
Crews used chimney rods and a stirrup pump unblock the flue and extinguished the fire by 11:22pm. The chimney flue was undamged.
Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys. Keep your family and home safe by following our chimney safety advice.
- Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood
- Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed
- Use a fire or spark guard
- Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them
- Inspect your chimney regularly - particularly in the roof space - to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
- Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly. Suitable seasoned timber must be used in all solid fuel stoves
- Buy only suitable fuels. Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will reduce the life of the liner considerably due to increased corrosion
Smoke alarms are proven life savers. They give warning at the first sign of fire, waking you and your family up and giving everyone the time they need to get safely out and call the fire service.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service wants to ensure that every single home in Essex has the excellent protection smoke alarms offer and will visit any home in Essex and fit smoke alarms completely FREE of charge.
If you or someone you know doesn't have working smoke alarms at home, book a free home fire safety visit at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book