Safety advice issued following chimney fire

Firefighters have issued advice to residents after being called to a chimney fire at a house in Hartington Road, Southend, today.

Fortunately, the fire was extinguished quickly and nobody was harmed.

The latest statistics show that there are approximately 7,000 chimney fires a year in England, but most of these can be prevented.

Crew Manager Adam Paterson said: "To keep yourself and your family safe from fire you should have your chimney swept regularly – at least once a year.”

Our safety advice:

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
• 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

For more information and safety advice regarding chimney fires visit essex-fire.gov.uk/chimney