Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service Press Release
Keep warm but above all keep safe, say Gloucestershire Fire Fighters

It may not have been the "barbecue summer" we were promised but you can usually rely on winter not to let you down.

And as the nights draw-in and temperatures tumble, it's that time of the year when many of us turn to an open fire to cheer us up.

But as you snuggle down in front of the telly, it's a sobering thought that the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to deal with 295 house fires last year - almost five and half per week.

Which is why Chimney Fire Safety Week (21st - 27th September) provides a timely reminder to make sure that your chimney is ready for the winter months ahead.

Gloucestershire's Chief Fire Officer Terry Standing said, "With the colder, winter months looming, people will begin to start using open fires and their chimneys again and in order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps.

Always ensure your chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn:

• Smokeless fuels - once a year
• Wood - up to four times a year
• Bituminous coal - twice a year
• Oil - once a year
• Gas - once a year
  

"Latest statistics show that there are approximately 6,000 chimney fires a year in England, but most chimney fires are preventable.

"Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers; make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed; keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.

"And, I would urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm in their home."

Because burning materials can fall down and set fire to rooms or spread into roof spaces, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service, the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and The Guild of Master Sweeps have joined forces to urge householders to ensure their chimney is safe and to have their chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep.

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for community safety said, "On a cold winter's night, there is nothing quite like coming home to a roaring fire but you have to respect it too.

"We all know that fire can kill so follow the fire service advice and keep safe this winter".

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service says

What to do if you have a chimney fire:

• Call the Fire Service. Dial 999
• Make sure your fireguard is in position
• Move furniture and carpets away from the fireplace if it is safe to do so
• Close down all ventilation to the fireplace and keep doors and windows to the room closed
• Do not attempt to put out the fire with buckets of water
• There is no charge for the attendance of the fire service
• There is very little mess made in dealing with the fire
• The fire service will ensure the fire is properly out to prevent further damage and advice you on what further action to take

Do not:

• Relight the fire until your chimney has been swept
• Light your fire with flammable liquids, i.e. paraffin
• Allow children to play with matches
• Set your chimney on fire deliberately to clean it
  

ENDS

CONTACT:
Issued by Lisa Bonnell , Gloucestershire County Council's Media Team
Tel: 01452 425226

11th September 2009