Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting HETAS Chimney Fire Safety Week and urging householders to ensure their chimneys are professionally swept and maintained before regular use.
Over the past year, crews have attended 91 chimney fires across the Service area. Many of these incidents were caused by a build-up of soot, tar and other combustible deposits within the chimney flue.
While chimney fires can cause significant damage to homes, they are often preventable through routine maintenance and inspection. Keeping your chimney clean helps reduce the risk of fire and ensures it functions safely and efficiently.
Regular chimney sweeping can also help prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. Blocked or damaged chimneys can allow carbon monoxide to enter a property, posing a serious risk to occupants.
Home Safety Manager Gareth Hands said:
“A chimney that is not properly maintained can become a significant fire hazard. In some cases, a chimney fire can spread quickly to other parts of the home, causing extensive damage. We advise homeowners to have their chimneys swept at least twice a year and, at the very least, before they begin using them during the autumn and winter months.”
To help keep your home safe:
Sweep the chimney before use if you haven’t used it for some time.
Ensure a fireguard is always in front of the fire.
Spark guard can prevent a serious property fire.
Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
NEVER use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.
Regularly testing and maintaining smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
For more information about chimney fire safety, visit: Chimneys, Open Fires and Wood Burning Stoves
Residents with concerns about fire safety in their home can also request a free Safe and Well Visit by calling 0800 169 1234 or via our online form at – Safe and Well
