With winter just around the corner, Cumbrian firefighters have issued a chimney fire safety warning.
People with real fires are being urged to make sure their chimneys are swept before breaking out the firelighters.
A chimney fire can cause serious structural defects to properties and the county's firefighters are urging people to take swift action this year to scuttle more fires.
Chimneys should be swept by a competent chimney sweep at least once a year. People who regularly burn wood are recommended to get their chimney swept twice a year.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service watch manager Craig Drinkald, said: "The majority of chimney fires could be prevented by making sure chimneys are swept on a regular basis.
"Chimney fires can be very destructive and lead to much more serious fires. Sometimes the only way of extinguishing the fire is to cut away large sections of masonry or floor to get at the source of the blaze.
"This can be distressing and costly for the home owners. It is much easier to get chimneys swept and eliminate the problem before it starts."
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service carries out free home safety checks which include advice on the best escape route to take, checking the home for fire hazards and installing a free smoke alarm where required. For more advice or to arrange a free Home Safety Check, people can contact Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service on 0800-358-4777.
How to tell if you have a chimney fire
You will often hear a roaring noise in the chimney, especially with an open fire.
Outside masses of smoke will normally be pouring out of the chimney.
You will possibly see flames coming from the chimney outlet.
What to do if you have a chimney fire
Call the Fire and Rescue Service - 999
If you have a stove then shut all air vents and flue dampers to reduce the chimney fire's oxygen supply.
If you have an open fire then gently splash water on it to extinguish the fire.
Move flammable materials, furniture and ornaments away from the fireplace.
Do not pour water on the fire if you have a stove.
Make sure the Fire and Rescue Service can access the loft space.
If in doubt remember: Get Out, Stay Out and Get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
1. In 2005 Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service attended 251 calls to chimney fires. In 2006, the figures fell to 172.
2. Chimney fires causes - When coal soot deposits or wood tar deposits build up to a sufficient level there is the risk of chimney fire. The heat from the fire warms the deposits releasing the combustible volatiles until they ignite. The fire then migrates up the chimney as the burning deposits heat the chimney above.
The extremely high temperatures (up to 2,000 degrees F) of a chimney fire can damage the chimney. The heat can warp metal chimneys and crack the tile liner on masonry chimneys.