Staying Safe and Warm

Chimney fires usually occur because the combustion deposits are left within the flue-ways.

A chimney fire is the burning of soot or creosote within the appliance, outlet or flue system. This can result in the improper function of the appliance and severe damage to the flue, house or surrounding structures. A build-up of soot in the chimney could cause a severe house fire. Chimney fires usually occur when high temperatures or flames from a very hot fire extend into the appliance outlet or flue and ignite a build-up of combustible deposits in the flue or chimney.

Chimney fires can be hazardous. They can damage your fireplace, wood burner, flue, or chimney and spread quickly throughout your house and even neighbouring properties.

The best way to prevent a chimney fire is to have your chimney swept regularly to remove the build-up of soot and deposits that occur through the regular burning of carbon-based fuels. Sweeping your chimney ensures a clear and safe passage for the exit of combustion by-products. It's important to remember that all fuels contain carbon – including oil, gas, wood, charcoal, coal, and smokeless fuel – and care should always be taken with all flues to ensure safety. Not only will this prevent a chimney fire, but it will also help prevent the production of carbon monoxide, which can result from incomplete combustion. Sweeping will also ensure the safe removal of obstructions lodged in the flues such as nests, cobwebs, and even loose brickwork which could prevent safe exit of combustion by-products. It's important to have your chimney swept regularly – and how often it should be swept depends on the type of fuel used. Here's a handy guide:

• Smokeless fuels – at least once per year
• Bituminous coal – at least twice per year
• Wood – quarterly when in use
• Oil – once a year
• Gas – once a year (any work on gas appliances requires a Gas Safe-registered installer/engineer)

There are also many other tips to help keep you safe, and these can be found below:

• Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks
• Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
• Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed
• Only burn seasoned wood from reputable suppliers
• Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going to bed
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
• Ensure your chimney is well-maintained

Remember…

A blocked flue can kill and the exclusion of air will put out a fire.

Central heating is a much more efficient and safe way of heating a house, but if you have to use a portable heater, follow these guidelines:

• Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture, and never use them for drying clothes.
• Do not sit too close to the heater. If your clothes catch fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll.
• Always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed.
• Try to secure heaters against a wall to stop them from falling over.
• Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas.
• Heaters consume oxygen, so you could suffocate if a room is not properly aired.
• Ensure your gas or paraffin heater is serviced as per the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in any room where you have a fuel-burning heater. Carbon monoxide is a potentially fatal gas that is invisible and odourless.

Electric blankets can help you keep warm during cold nights, but fires can be devastating, with 440 injuries resulting from every 1000 fires an electric blanket starts. Therefore, there are fire safety issues to consider:

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.
• Unplug blankets before bed unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
• Store electric blankets flat or rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.
• Do not buy second-hand blankets, and check regularly for wear and tear. It is recommended you get your blanket serviced every three years. Replace your blanket when it is more than ten years old.