Chimney sweeps could keep blazes at bay - Fire Service

The latest figures show the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended 1,100 chimney fires in 2015. They believe using a chimney sweep could help to reduce the risk to life and property.

Chimney fires accounted for 1 in 20 incidents fire crews attended last yearand while this represents a 17% fall from the previous year, the fire service believe they are a danger that could easily be prevented.

Geoff Somerville, Assistant Group Commander has recommended, "getting a chimney swept, a number of times a year, depending on the type of chimney and fuel you use to ensure they are safe and clean to use.

“The cost of a chimney sweep is very small when compared to dealing with the damage and cost of repair after a chimney fire, not to mention the potential threat to life if the chimney fire were to spread to the rest of the property," he added.

Retired Co Armagh teacher Kathleen Hughes has spoken of her experience, as the fire service launch an awareness campaign to highlight the risk of chimney fires.

One Saturday night, sitting by the fire, she threw an empty pizza box onto the hearth, only for it to be sucked up the chimney and become lodged.

"Sparks, ambers and smoke started to billow out of the fire," she said, and running outside she saw sparks come out of the chimney.

When the fire crew arrived, they discovered that her chimney was blocked and once they had got the fire under control, they recommended she have it professionally cleaned before it was used again.

"I want others to learn from my experience," Kathleen said.

"I’m urging homeowners this Chimney Fire Safety Week to sweep up their fire safety to protect themselves and their families from fire beforethe colder months set in.”