fire safety

As the end of winter draws nearer and you prepare to bid farewell to your fireplace until next season, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about scheduling your annual chimney cleaning and inspection.

Although your chimney may look fine from the outside, there could be a whole host of problems which could compromise its functionality and jeopardise your home's safety.

Taking proactive steps to maintain your chimney at the end of the burning season, rather than waiting until autumn, gives you plenty of time to identify and rectify any underlying problems.

Continue reading to discover why we recommend getting your chimney cleaned in the spring!

Preventing Chimney Fires

Many chimney fires go unnoticed, often stemming from the buildup of creosote—a hig

Carbon monoxide cannot be detected by sight, smell, taste, or irritation of the airways; therefore people can be unaware of exposure, particularly if the symptoms are not severe enough to be recognised as an acute poisoning event. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas attributing to over 60 deaths per year in England and Wales! 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an extremely poisonous gas that can be present in the fumes from the combustion of fuel’s which aren’t burnt under the correct conditions.

Fuels such as gas, oil, solid mineral fuel and biomass all have the potential to emit CO. The gas cannot be seen, smelled or tasted making it difficult to detect. There are measures you can take to protect yourself.

How to make sure your home is safe

Make sure any gas cooking appliances are checked eve

As the Christmas season approaches, many of us are gearing up to deck the halls, and it's crucial to ensure that our fireplace decorations are both festive and secure. Transform your fireplace into a cosy focal point with these safety guidelines in mind.

Elevate your mantel and hearth with a beautiful display, but keep in mind the importance of safety. Experts recommend maintaining a minimum three-foot distance between the fireplace opening and any combustible materials, including pillows, blankets, and seasonal decorations. Whether it's stockings or garlands adorning your mantel, exercise caution to prevent potential fire hazards.

Candles add a classic touch to mantel decor, but they require careful consideration. Since many mantels are constructed from flammable materials, opt for candles with appropriate containers or drip trays. For a safer alternative, consider LED candles to achieve a warm glow without the risk of fire.

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions

Fire and Rescue services are advising people to take extra care after a spate of fires involving chimneys and wood burning stoves. People with wood burning stoves, which are growing in popularity due to the spiralling cost of gas and electricity, are reminded to get them correctly installed and regularly maintained. HETAS, the Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme, provides details of chimney sweeps at https://www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/services/chimney-sweeps/.

Sweeping your chimney at least once a year and using a quality-assured fuel is the key to prevention. Not only does this remove soot and tar deposits but also gives chimney sweeps the opportunity to check for any problems with the chimney or liner. A typical sweep only takes about 90 minutes and doesn’t make a mess. Professional chimney sweeps use modern methods and tools such a