Category: Suffolk County Council

As autumn arrives, bringing with it cooler evenings, Suffolk residents may start lighting their fires and stoves. With the current high fuel costs, people may be also be thinking of using an open fire that has not been in use for some time in order to save money on their heating bills.

With this in mind, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are urging people to follow a few simple safety tips to ensure a cosy evening in is not ruined by a chimney fire.

Joanna Spicer, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said; "Before you use your chimney, it is essential to ensure it has recently been swept. Whatever fuel you burn it is important that the chimney is kept clean and you do not allow soot or ash to build up. Often the last thing people expect as they huddle around the fire is for the chimney to catch alight but fires of this nature can smoulder undetected. The fire can spread and present serious risk to your home and your family."

This year Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have seen a rise in the number of calls to chimney fires.

Follow these simple steps to protect your home and your family from chimney fires:

* Have your chimney swept at least once a year - more frequently if you burn wood

* Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly

* Only burn suitable fuels

* Do not overload the grate/appliance

* Maintain your appliance in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions

* Use a fire guard on open fires to prevent accidental fires

* Inspect your chimney breast, particularly the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks

* Fit a smoke alarm on each floor of the building, check the batteries weekly and change the batteries yearly.

Fire safety advice is free and easy to obtain from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. If you would like any advice or information, please contact your local fire station or the Community Safety Team on 01473 260586 or visit www.suffolk.gov.uk