| Every year Hampshire Fire fighters respond to many preventable chimney fires. Following the recent drop in temperatures and the onset of Autumn fire crews have again started to respond to this type of incident.
Many New Forest homes have open fires or stoves and perhaps not surprisingly statistics show the Forest to have the highest incident rate of chimney fires in the county – with an average over 62 fires a year over the last three years.
Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent these fires.
We recommend the following simple maintenance routines
| Solid Fuel Appliances: |
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Swept once per year for smokeless fuel and twice per year for coal |
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| Wood burning appliances |
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Swept every three months when in use |
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| Gas Appliances: |
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Once every year if designed for sweeping |
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| Oil fires appliances: |
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Once per year |
Freshly cut wood contains up to 80% moisture, and must be "seasoned" (dried to 20-25% moisture content) before burning. Wood containing more than 25% moisture is "wet" or "green", and should never be burned in a fireplace or woodstove.
To properly season firewood, cut it into stove-sized pieces and stack it so air can circulate and carry away the moisture as it evaporates through both ends of each piece. The woodpile must be sheltered to prevent rainwater from being re-absorbed, which reverses the drying process: firewood that is exposed to rain will rapidly become just as wet as it was when freshly cut. Wood must be cut into pieces and stacked out of the rain for at least 6-9 months to season properly. If no seasoned wood can be found, high-density compressed sawdust logs make an excellent substitute.
In the event of a chimney fire
Dial 999 & ask for the Fire Service. It will help if someone can wait outside to meet/direct them.
If you have a conventional open fir extinguish the flame by gently splashing with water.
If you have a solid fuel appliance close down the ventilation as much as possible
Move furniture & rugs away from the fireplace& remove any nearby ornaments and objects.
Place a fire guard in front of the fire.
Feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat. If wall is becoming hot move furniture away.
Ensure that access to your attic or roof space is available for the Fire Service as they will want to check for possible signs of fire spread.
REMEMBER – without proper maintenance, any flue from a fire or stove can cause a dangerous build up of carbon monoxide gas. A carbon monoxide detector can help protect you.
Fit and maintain smoke alarms.
Any questions arising from this article should be directed to:
Community Fire Safety Department
Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters
Leigh Road
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9SJ
Telephone: 023 8062 6809
E-mail: community.firesafety@hantsfire.gov.uk
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