ECFRS- Chimney Safety

Is your chimney ready for winter? Now is the time to get yours swept before the colder weather arrives.

Most chimney fires are preventable. A clean chimney can help prevent fires and structural damage to your property. Regular inspections and cleaning of your chimney or flue will prevent the build-up of soot and clear any obstructions such as bird nests, leaves and debris.

Keep your family and home safe by following our chimney safety advice:

Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood.

Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed.

Use a fire or spark guard.

Do not place objects on or over the mantelpiece which may cause you to lean over the fire to reach them.

Inspect your chimney regularly – particularly in the roof space – to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.

Avoid burning soft woods as resin and soot builds up more quickly.

Buy suitable fuels.

Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will cause corrosion and reduce the life of the liner.