Safety Advice

Chimney fire safety advice from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service; RBFRS chimney fire safety

• Ensure your chimney is swept regularly by a professional and remind your friends and family to get theirs swept. 
• Keep chimneys, flues and appliances clean and well maintained;
• Be careful when using open fires to keep warm. Make sure you always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers;
• Use the appropriate fuel for your appliance – some appliances will be suitable for wood only, some are multi-fuel – check your appliance instructions;
• Never interrupt the air supply by blocking air vents or air bricks;
• Avoid ‘slumbering’ an appliance (unless it has been tested as safe to do so). Slumber mode is when an appliance is purposely set at a low or minimum output normally for overnight burning to be revived in the morning without the need for relighting;
• Never store the fuel next to an appliance;
• Appliances that have been lined still require regular sweeping.