Firefighters issue safety warning following chimney fire

Firefighters were called to a fire in a chimney at a property in Wickford last night (Tuesday 6 April).

When fire crews arrived they reported that 20% of the chimney was alight, and they requested an aerial ladder platform (ALP) so they could extinguish the fire from the roof.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 8:20pm.

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