Coal fire? Get your chimney swept now

FIREFIGHTERS in Warrington are urging people with coal fires and wood burners in their homes to get their chimneys swept.
The call is part of a nationwide week of action – Chimney Fire Safety Week – from September 2-8.
Aim is to raise awareness of safe chimney use, including the importance of ensuring that chimneys are swept regularly.
Here’s some safety advice that firefighters would like people to remember:
·Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers
·Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed
·Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained
Nick Evans, head of prevention at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Even a small chimney fire can cause significant damage and disruption to a home.
“To keep yourself and your family safe from fire you should take care to have your chimney swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn, and only burn well-seasoned dry firewood to help prevent a build-up of deposits inside the chimney. If the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give you the extra time you need to escape in a house fire – make sure you test yours regularly. Also think about a fire escape plan for your family to use and ensure they know what to do in the event of a fire.”
Chimneys should be swept according to the type of fuel being used:
•Smokeless Fuels – at least once a year
•Bituminous Coal – at least twice a year
•Wood – quarterly when in use
•Oil – once a year
•Gas – once a year (refer to Gas Safe Register)
An open fire is ideal to keep warm in the winter, but without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous.
For more information visit the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk<http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk>