Devon and Somerset firefighters have been called to 39 chimney fires in the last week.

The Fire & Rescue Service are asking people to take extra care, especially when lighting up fires that haven't been used for a while.

This advice comes after 39 chimney fires took place within Devon & Somerset last week from the 6-12 February.

This is a total of 17 chimney fires in Somerset and 22 within Devon.

Fire Investigation Officer, Mike Burroughs explains: “With the recent cold snap people have naturally been warming up their homes by lighting the traditional home fire, but without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous.

“To keep yourself and your family safe from fire you should take care to have your chimney swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn. If the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give you the extra time you need to escape in a house fire – make sure you test yours regularly.”

Chimneys need to be dirt free to allow the free passage of dangerous combustion gasses, so regular cleaning will remove soot and creosote, and help prevent dangerous chimney fires. Make sure your chimney is swept regularly by a registered chimney sweep.

Sweeping Frequencies

Sweeping frequencies below are for guidance only. Frequency will depend on a number of factors including: type of fuel, appliance used, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel, type of chimney.

Smokeless coals At least once a year

Wood Up to four times a year

Bituminous coal Twice a year

Oil Once a year

Gas Once a year

Growing in popularity are wood burning stoves and they also need to be checked regularly to ensure they are safe and clean, ensure wood burners are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

DSFRS have provided some top tips for safer chimneys:

• 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 or leaving the house

• When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only

• Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper

• Do not overload the grate

• Bird nests, cobwebs and other blockages within chimney to be removed

• Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted as an additional safeguard against the build-up of poisonous fumes

• Have a working smoke alarm

Smoke Alarms

DSFRS advise you to:

• Once a week – check the alarm by pressing the button

• Once a year – change your battery or consider buying a ten-year alarm which will not require frequent battery changes

• Once a year – vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber (For mains wired alarms, switch off first)