General Info
General Information
Chimney Fires
Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys.
Reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney by following these simple steps.
- Sweep the chimney before use if you haven't used it for some time
- Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
- Sparkguards can prevent a serious property fire
- Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
How Often Should I Clean My Chimney?
Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service recommended the following:
Solid Fuel Appliances
Swept once per year for smokeless fuel and twice per year for coal
Wood Burning Appliances
Swept every three months when in use
Gas Appliances
Once every year if designed for sweeping
Oil Fired Appliances
Once per year
Carbon Monoxide ( The silent killer)
Too many people die each year in the UK from Carbon Monoxide poisoning and many become chronically ill. With symptoms including headaches and drowsiness, it's often confused with flu.
Gas stoves, fires and boilers, gas powered water heaters, paraffin heaters, solid fuel powered stoves, wood burners, boilers and water heaters are all capable of producing Carbon Monoxide if not appropriately installed and maintained.
Carbon Monoxide can seep into properties via shared flues or chimneys and can even permeate through brick walls and plaster. This is how you may be poisoned in your own home by Carbon Monoxide from produced next door. That is why it is important to ensure your appliances are working properly and that as a second line of defence you have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm installed.
A few simple steps, including an annual safety check by the relevant professional and getting your chimney swept, and using a CO alarm could all help prevent needless deaths.
If you use a solid fuel burning appliance you should have your chimney swept at least once a year, as birds' nests, falling stonework and rubble, also spider webs and leaves can block chimneys and stop or reduce the flow of air. Any blockage can alter the combustion balance or can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home instead of being safely vented from the property outside.
