Chimney fire
Firefighters have given safety advice after we were called to a chimney fire in Westcliff this evening.
On arrival, crews reported that there was a small fire in a chimney and used chimney rods and a stirrup pump to extinguish the fire by 10:04pm.
While at the address, firefighters fitted smoke alarms.
Crew Manager Dan Trendle from Southend Fire Station said: “If you’re using a log burner or an open fire, please ensure it is swept and looked over by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year to keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear and prevent a build up of soot.”
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
Do you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home?
We want every home in Essex to have working smoke alarms on every level of their home.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms, we can supply them for free. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book for more information.