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6 Small Steps To Mitigating Fire Risks In The Home

Image by Peter Robinson from Pixabay

With Chimney Fire Safety Week this week, HETAS – the biomass and solid fuel organisation – is reminding homeowners about the importance of having sufficient measures in place to ensure their family and home is protected from potential chimney fires.

Chimney fires pose a significant risk to homeowners across the country, with thousands of incidents reported annually. According to South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, a concerning total number of 31 chimney related fires were recorded in South Yorkshire in the last year alone. These statistics highlight the need for homeowners to take action to protect their homes and loved ones this Chimney Fire Safety Week.

According to a recent survey by HETAS, 50% of homeowners confess to having either never or only occasionally inspected their chimneys for signs of damage or wear, however, all of those surveyed get their chimneys swept at least once per year in preparation for the winter season.

Keen to continue safe burning in all households, the annual campaign (4th – 10th September) highlights the simple steps homeowners can take to prevent becoming a chimney fire statistic. Offering easy solutions such as regular chimney sweeping and stove maintenance, HETAS is working with industry and Fire & Rescue Services to help homes and families stay safe.

Ahead of the awareness week, HETAS has provided six top tips families can take on board to safeguard their homes when using wood burning stoves:

S – Seek a professional if ever in doubt when it comes to solid fuel burning. Speak to a HETAS Registered Installer or Sweep & Service Technician.
A – Always use Ready to Burn fuel that is certified to have a moisture content of 20% or less. By looking for the Ready to Burn certification mark, you can be sure that the wood is dry and ready to use.
F – Follow manufacturer guidelines when operating your appliance and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer or a HETAS Registrant.
E – Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and in good working order. Test them regularly and replace when needed.
T – Take time to learn the importance of fire safety and pass this information on. Like keeping clothes driers, toys, furniture and pets at a safe distance from the appliance.
Y – Yearly chimney maintenance is vital to ensure that it is free of build-up and that the appliance is working as efficiently as possible. Book a HETAS Sweep & Service Technician.

Highlighting the importance of staying safe this Chimney Fire Safety Week, Bruce Allen, CEO at HETAS and Woodsure, said:
“We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of homeowners across the nation. By highlighting Chimney Fire Safety Week, we hope to empower wood burning stove owners with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their homes and loved ones.

“Chimney fires have been steadily decreasing over the years. In England, chimney fires represented less than 1.5% of the total fires for 2022/23, which has declined by 2.75% compared to 2021/22. While this is encouraging to see, there is no reason why this number can’t be zero, we need to continue to implement and reinforce safety measures to ensure the ongoing decline of chimney fires.”

For more information on Chimney Fire Safety Week and expert advice on solid fuel safety, please visit hetas.co.uk.