08/01/2026
Over the Christmas period we attended a high number of incidents involving chimneys, open fires/wood burners and carbon monoxide alarms.
With colder weather we experience in winter fires and wood burners will be getting used much more frequently, but before you light your fire think, have you had your chimney swept recently?
• Chimneys should be swept at least once a year for smokeless fuels, at least twice a year for bituminous coal, and quarterly when in use for wood
• Do not store logs or other flammable items next to your fire/woodburner as radiated heat can cause these items to catch fire.
• Have your appliance serviced and cleaned regularly by a trained and registered chimney engineer.
• Buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm to keep in the same room as your fire and test it monthly.
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, it's important to act fast!
• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning recognise the symptoms, dizziness, headaches, breathlessness and nausea, and seek medical attention immediately
• Call the national gas emergency number on 0800 111 999
• Turn off appliances, open windows and doors to ventilate the property and leave the property.
