Chimney fire (From Redditch Advertiser)

Chimney fire

10:20am Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Local

AS the cold weather set in last weekend firefighters from the region received a series of calls reporting chimney and woodburner fires.

Redditch crews were called out on Saturday evening, February 4 to a chimney fire at the Red Lion Public House in Alvechurch.

They had to use specialist chimney gear and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire.

Grant Wills, community safety manager at HWFRS (Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service) said: “Many more people are choosing real fires or woodburning stoves as a way of heating their homes, and with fuel prices at the levels they are, we can only see this trend continuing.

“However, to avoid the risk of a chimney fire it’s vital that people ensure that their chimneys are swept regularly and that they only use the fuels recommended for their particular stove or burner.”

Mr Wills stressed that while chimney fires have the potential to cause extensive damage to a home, most can be avoided simply by following simple advice.

For chimney safety advice, visit hwfire.org.uk.