Epidemic of flue fires

8:00am Friday 9th January 2009

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Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging homeowners to get their chimneys swept after firefighters attended 26 flue fires in the last seven days of 2008.

Chimney blazes occurred throughout the county, but the New Forest was the worst area with 14 fires. This week Romsey firefighters dealt with two chimney blazes, both on Tuesday.

Crews got the first call to a house at King’s Somborne shortly after 4pm. When they arrived at the property in Sopwith Close the blaze was already out but the two crews used thermal imaging cameras to check for hotspots in the chimney Five hours later crews put out a chimney blaze at a house near the King’s Arms pub in Lockerley.

The fire service claims the majority of chimney fires are preventable and are caused by poor maintenance.

Assistant chief officer, Kevin Butcher, said: “Every winter, we respond to a number of chimney fires as a result of householders not cleaning them regularly.”

“Chimney fires are dangerous as they can spread quickly through roof spaces or floor cavities, endangering the lives of the occupants as well as causing extensive damage.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service offers the following safety tips: * 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.

* Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house; * Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.

* Ensure your property has a working smoke alarm fitted.

In the event of a chimney fire: * Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service. It will help if someone can wait outside to meet them.

* If you have a conventional open fire, extinguish the fire by gently splashing water onto the fire.

* If you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible.

* Move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments.

* Place a sparkguard in front of the fire.

* Feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat.

* If a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away.

* Ensure access to your attic or roof space is available for firefighters will want to check this area for signs of a fire spreading.