8 chimney fires spark fire service warning
A series of chimney fires in Devon and Somerset has brought the fire and rescue service to remind people to take extra care when lighting a fire, especially if they have not been used in a while.
The area has seen 8 chimney fires in just 10 days.
Mike Burroughs, Fire investigation officer said: “With the nights still being quite cold people have naturally been warming up their homes by lighting the traditional fire, but without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous. To keep the family safe from fire people should take care to have their chimney swept regularly, depending upon what fuel they burn. If the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give people the extra time needed to escape in a house fire – they need to be tested regularly.”