Fire chiefs warn people to get chimneys swept (From Kidderminster Shuttle)
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Fire chiefs warn people to get chimneys swept
10:10am Tuesday 8th January 2013 in News
PEOPLE with real fires or woodburning stoves are being warned to make sure they have their chimneys swept regularly.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) issued the reminder as part of its winter safety campaign.
Station Commander Alan Haley of HWFRS’s community safety department, said: “While we haven’t had a particular problem with chimney fires so far this year, we do want people to be aware just how damaging they can be.
“A fire in a chimney can all too easily spread into the roof space and to other parts of a property and can even destroy a home completely.
“The good news, however, is that most chimney fires can be avoided simply by ensuring chimneys are swept regularly and that only the correct fuels are used.”
He urged people to make an appointment with a registered chimney sweep if their chimney was due for a clean.
Further chimney safety advice and details of chimney sweeps operating locally are listed on the service’s website at hwfire.org.uk under the Your Safety heading.