Chimney Fire Safety Week message urges Chester residents to check their chimneys

Sep 23 2009 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

RESIDENTS are being urged to check their chimneys to ensure they are ready for the winter months.

Chimney Fire Safety Week is running this week and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and The Guild of Master Sweeps have joined forces to ensure residents keep their chimney safe.

They are also recommending the chimneys are swept by a registered chimney sweep.

The advice comes after the number of chimney fires in the county have almost doubled to 164 from 2006/07 to 2008/09.

Phil Hales, area manager for community safety, said: “We are highlighting this campaign as the colder winter months loom and people start using open fires and their chimneys.

“In order to keep residents safe from fire, homeowners need to take necessary steps such as ensuring their chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn. I would also urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm fitted.”

In the Chester area, there have been more than a dozen chimney fires in the past year.

For information and guidance on how to reduce the risks of a chimney fire, visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk and follow the links.