After attending 31 chimney fires in 2017, The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is issuing safety advice.

Most recently a chimney fire at a pub in St. Florence on Friday, December 15, was dealt with by firefighters from Tenby.

The chimney fire was extinguished using one hose reel jet, chimney rods, nine-metre ladder, roof ladder, and one thermal imaging camera.

Steve Davies, deputy head of community safety, advises: “Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys.

Some simple tips to greatly reduce your chances of having a fire in your chimney: 

• Ensure your chimney is swept regularly and if it hasn’t been in use for some time make sure to sweep thoroughly. 

• If you have an open fire ensure it is always protected with a fireguard at all times NEVER use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.

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

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.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has a network of fully insured members throughout the Country, who work to a Code of Practice. For more details, telephone free on 0800 833464 or visit their website.

If you do have a chimney fire:

• Raise the alarm in the house to let others know

• Dial 999 and ask for the fire service - we treat chimney fires like any fire in the home

• If you have a conventional open fire, extinguish the fire by gently splashing water onto the open fire

• If you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible

• Move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments

• Place a fire guard or spark guard in front of the fire

• Feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat

• If a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away

Ensure that access to your attic or roof space is available for the fire service as they will want to thoroughly check this area for signs of possible fire spread.