Chimney fires are usually due to poor maintenance or a blocked flue.
The risk of having a chimney fire reduces when chimneys are swept regularly. It also reduces the risk of a build-up of carbon monoxide.
How often you should sweep your chimney depends on the type of fuel you use. The recommendations are:
- smokeless fuels – once a year
- coal – twice a year
- wood – four times a year
- oil – once a year
- gas – once a year
For more safety advice or to find an approved chimney sweep, visit the National Association for Chimney Sweeps.
