Rise in chimney fires prompts warning

The latest took place at a property in Church Street, Great Missenden, on Tuesday morning. A crew from Great Missenden attended at 11.26am along with station manager John Bull. Others in the past week took place in St Christopher's Close, Little Kingshill, on Sunday evening, and in Heath End Road, Great Kingshill, on Saturday night.
Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: "It appears that more and more people are using open fires and wood burners. It is important to have your chimney swept regularly and to have working smoke alarms."

He issued safety tips for householders:

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year - and at least twice a year if you burn wood.


• When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only. Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.


• Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke.


• Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving your home.


• Do not overload the grate or appliance.


• Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires.


• Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.


• Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted.


• Ensure wood burners are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.


• Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly.

Fire safety advice is free and can be obtained from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service by contacting its community safety team on 01296 744477 or emailing cs@bucksfire.gov.uk