Households with woodburning and multifuel stoves and fires have been urged to have their chimneys swept ahead of this year’s heating season to reduce the risk of chimney fires.
A statement during Chimney Fire Safety Week (30 August-5 September) said although chimney fires in England have fallen by as much as 66% over the last decade, a significant number still occur each year – with 3,105 such fires recorded in 2020/2021.
HETAS reminded homeowners that regular maintenance was critical to helping to reduce the risk of fire, recommending a chimney is swept at least twice a year when burning wood.
Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, said: “Over the past decade the number of chimney fires has dropped by two-thirds and although numbers continue to fall year-on-year, the toll is still too high. It’s really important that we continue to help people to find and use qualified professionals for sweeping and maintenance, and also to find the right fuels, so they can keep using their appliances efficiently, safely and responsibly.
“Chimney fires might represent less than 2% of total fires but they can be absolutely devastating. However, the good news is that if people take the appropriate action such incidents are totally avoidable. We believe that informing homeowners about the importance of sweeping and maintenance, is the key to reducing the risk of chimney fires even further. With the weather changing and the nights beginning to draw in, now is the perfect time to have chimneys checked by a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep.”