The fire service has urged people to clean their chimneys following a property fire in Crossgates on Tuesday (November 12).
At 1.17pm, crews from Llandrindod Wells attended the property in the village. The fire had originated from a wood burner within a detached studio garage, measuring approximately five meters x 30 meters, and had spread to the roof joists.
Firefighters extinguished the fire using two hose reel jets, two triple extension ladders, one seven-meter ladder, small gear and a thermal imaging camera.
The Fire Service left the incident at 2.58pm.
Fire call with @LlandodFire lunchtime in Crossgates, garage roof fire. The new hand held Thermal Image Camera supplied for the Incident Commander is a great piece of kit and really good quality. pic.twitter.com/NcG7A3F4Tt
— Craig Thomas (@craig_thomas111) November 12, 2019
Station Manager Neil Evans, Deputy Head of Community Safety, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This incident highlights the importance of sweeping your chimneys. Those householders who rely on chimneys and flues as a source of ventilation must ensure they are cleaned and well maintained, in addition to the heating appliance itself.
"Do not be tempted to clean your chimney with a domestic vacuum cleaner, leave it to a proper chimney sweep. Have your flue inspected regularly to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney in a living space, or in the loft.”
Please follow these simple tips to greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney:
· Sweep the chimney before use if you haven’t used it for some time
· Ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times
· Sparkguard can prevent a serious property fire
· Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house
· NEVER use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.
How often should you clean your chimney?
Chimney fires have the potential to cause serious damage to your property so ensure your chimney is cleaned in accordance with this guidance from the National Association of Chimney Sweeps:-
◾Solid Fuel Appliances - once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal
◾Wood Burning Appliances - every three months when in use
◾Gas Appliances - once a year if designed for sweeping
◾Oil Fired Appliances - once a year
For further information about Chimney Fire Safety, please visit Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website by clicking here.
If you wish to arrange a Safe and Well Visit with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, pleas phone 0800 169 1234.
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