EVEN though the sun is still shining, autumn is on its way bringing with it the cooler weather — and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to check their chimneys are clean, safe and been swept by a registered chimney sweep before lighting any fires.

Chimney fires in England accounted for more than 4,200 incidents dealt with by fire and rescue services between April 2016 and March 2017. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to get their chimneys swept by an approved sweep to prevent chimney damage and in worse cases, household fires.

Chimneys need to be dirt free to allow the free passage of dangerous combustion gasses, so regular cleaning removes soot and creosote and will help prevent dangerous chimney fires.

Chimney fires can cause serious structural damage to a home, with the risks being even greater if the property has a thatched roof. The damage is not only fire based, but also the dirt and smell left from all the soot and smoke, which would affect your personal property.

Alan Gilson, community safety prevention manager, said: ‘All chimneys and flues need to be regularly cleaned and checked to ensure they’re free from debris and in full working order. A blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.

‘If the worst should happen, working smoke alarms can give you an early warning. Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly. Also do you have family, friends or a neighbour who may need your help to test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms?’

Sweeping frequency will depend on a number of factors, including type of fuel, appliance used, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel and type of chimney.

The fire service has recommended smokeless coal fires to be swept at least once a year; wood up to four times a year; bituminous coal twice a year; oil once a year and gas once a year.

The fire service said the increased efficiency of wood burning stoves, while very welcome, has its own implications with regard to fire risk.

Such efficiency depends on a high flue gas temperature of around 500 degrees, which is concentrated in a narrow air column. When installed in a properly regulated, modern chimney this type of system is a highly effective way of getting maximum heat out of burning wood, but where ancient chimney stacks are concerned, the inappropriate introduction of such installations, with metal liners can create serious problems.

The fire service said if you are in doubt, ask and don’t use any chimney related appliance until you are sure it is safe.