A cosy open fire might seem just the ticket to stay warm during recent cold snaps. But new research shows that spring is the worst time for chimney fires – and homeowners are being urged to ensure their chimneys are swept and safe.

March and April has been the period seeing the sharpest spike in chimney fires over the past three years, data from a rural insurer reveals.

NFU Mutual is now advising owners of homes with stoves and open fires to ensure their chimneys and flues are clean and well-maintained, and are swept regularly.

This involves carrying out checks of the chimney twice a year if the fire is in frequent or year-round

use.

NFU Mutual home insurance specialist Ross Garner said that a trend for using stoves all year round appeared to be behind the rise in springtime conflagrations. “While many people associate gathering round an open fire with Christmastime, over the past three years we have seen a spike in chimney fire claims over Easter,” said Mr Garner.

“Cold, dry, spring weather provides the perfect recipe for fire, and one with devastating consequences,” he added.

The insurer warned that wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves, which reach high temperatures, can increase the risk of fire, particularly in thatched properties, as they send more live sparks and embers out of the

chimney.

Homeowners should also ensure that they only burn seasoned hardwood.