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Chimney fires are on the increase in the Carlisle and Penrith area - prompting a warning from fire chiefs advising people to take proper care of their fireplaces.

Crews across the north of the county have seen the number of chimney fires rise to 26 since the turn of the year - up from just six over the same time last year, with the recent severe cold snap to blame along with high fuel prices and the effect of the economic downturn.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is reminding householders of the importance of ensuring that chimneys and flues are in good condition prior to using them especially if they have not been used for some time.

Most chimney fire calls are preventable if the chimney is cleaned on a regular basis and an inspection carried out. These fires can often develop via an attic or room and spread throughout a building. 

Sometimes the only way of extinguishing the fire can be by cutting away large sections of masonry or floor to get to the cause and extinguish the fire. To avoid this happening to you, get a chimney swept and spend some time checking brick work in chimney stacks to ensure no smoke is escaping into rooms or roof voids.

British law recommends that chimneys should be swept twice a year when in use, and if using burning wood this should be increased to every 3 months - at the very least chimneys should always be swept at the beginning of winter prior to use.

Flues should be inspected by a competent person regularly to ensure that products of combustion or sparks cannot escape the flue into the building which could cause fire in floor or ceiling joists or lead to asphyxiation of occupiers.

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: "An open fire is a welcoming feature in any home especially at this time of year but they pose a serious threat to safety if not properly maintained.

"We all know how cold it has been over the last few weeks but it’s important that if you use an open fire that you are extra vigilant to the dangers that they can cause."

If you do have a chimney fire call the fire brigade immediately on 999, then if you have a stove then shut all air vents and flue dampers to reduce the chimney fire's oxygen supply. Do not pour water on the fire if you have a stove. If you have an open fire, extinguish it or let it burn out as quickly as possible and move any flammable materials, furniture, ornaments away from the fireplace, and ensure that firefighters can access any loft space.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is also giving this safety advice:

- If a fire is left unattended always use a spark guard.

- Don’t use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to light fires.

- Don’t burn large quantities of paper or rubbish.

- Don’t overload the fire with fuel.

- Get someone to check the loft occasionally when fire is lit to ensure that smoke is not leaking through cracks or broken mortar joints.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service carry out free home safety checks and fit smoke detectors free of charge. Contact your local fire station or telephone free on 0800 358 4777 for a check or further advice.

Alternatively, for more advice on how to keep you and your family safe from fire, including how to regularly test and maintain your smoke alarms, log onto www.cumbriafire.gov.uk (external link)

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226335