Chimney safety 2015

A chimney fire can occur when debris from birds nest, soot or sap deposits inside the chimney. This is highly combustible and a fire in a chimney is extremely dangerous.

Avoid a chimney fire with these simple tips:

• Ensure that your chimney is maintained and swept regularly*.
• Use a fire/spark guard to protect against hot sparks.
• Use the correct fuel don't bun rubbish or plastic.
• Only use dry seasoned timber
• Ensure that the fire is out before going to bed
• Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire

*National Assocation of Chimney Sweeps strongly recommends that chimneys using the following fuels are cleaned:

• Bitumous Coal: At least twice a year
• Wood: Quarterly when in use
• Smokeless Fuels: At least once a year
• Oil: At least once a year
• Gas: At least twice a year
• Biomass: At least once a year

Further information - http://nacs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Heat-Your-Home-Safely-Leaflet.pdf

Finding a chimney sweep

You can find a chimney sweep in your area by contacting one of the following organisations:

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps - http://nacs.org.uk/sweep-search/

The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps - http://www.guildofmasterchimneysweeps.co.uk/find_sweep.php

The Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps - http://www.apics.org.uk/search