HOMEOWNERS are urged to take steps to reduce the chances of having a property fire by getting their chimney swept by an approved sweep.

The call has come as part of the national Chimney Fire Safety Week which calls for homeowners to get their chimneys swept in a bid to prevent chimney damage and household fires.

The annual campaign is organised by the Heating Equipment Testing and Approvals Scheme (HETAS) as part of the government's Fire Kills campaign, which urges homeowners to stay 'fire safe'.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is supporting Chimney Fire Safety Week which runs from August 30 until September 5.

DWFRS safe and well manager Vikki Thomas said: "A clean chimney can help prevent fires and structural damage to your property. Getting a qualified chimney sweep to inspect your chimney regularly and using a quality assured fuel are the keys to prevention.

"As well as removing soot and tar deposits and cleaning obstructions such as bird or animal nests, leaves and debris, the sweep will also check for any problems with the chimney or liner."

DWFRS attended nearly 170 chimney fires in the two counties last year and has issued the following advice to anyone who has a working chimney at home:

  • Don't use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to light your fire
  • Don't burn excessive amounts of paper of rubbish
  • Don't overload the fire with fuel
  • Take advice from your chimney sweep on how often they should visit - the type of fire you have can impact on this
  • Always get the chimney swept before the colder weather sets in
  • Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at home and test them regularly

A spokesman for HETAS said: "Regular sweeping and servicing schedules are essential. You should have your chimney swept at least twice a year when burning wood or bituminous house coal and at least once a year when burning smokeless fuels.

"The best times to have your chimney swept are just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used for a prolonged period."

For more tips for staying fire safe at home, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home