THE fire service is urging residents to check their chimneys this winter in an effort to reduce the number of chimney fires in the county.

Almost 50 per cent of chimney fires in Oxfordshire occur between January and March, according to Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service which has this week launched a new ‘get sweeping’ campaign.

Debris and dust can accumulate in the first-floor link in chimneys which can ignite and cause a fire.

Also read: Warning as it hits peak season for chimney fires

The key messages of the campaign are to check this space regularly, while also warning residents not to store logs too close to wood burners and fireplaces.

Oxford Mail:

The aftermath of a chimney fire in Grove last October.

One of the most recent chimney fires tackled by the fire service was at a property in the village of Stanton Harcourt, near Witney which was caused by a build-up of debris, including a bird’s nest.

Occupant, Donna Hawes, said: “The chimney hadn’t been cleaned for a couple of years, but we don’t regularly use the wood burner fire, so didn’t see it as a problem.

“In fact, it wasn’t wood burning that caused the blaze. My daughter was burning some paper receipts when we noticed excessive smoke billowing from the chimney. Luckily, the fire didn’t really take hold, once the bird’s nest was incinerated. The fire crew just dampened down the brickwork to ensure it was completely extinguished.

“But we recognise it was a lucky escape. The house stank of smoke for a couple of weeks but at least the property wasn’t damaged. We’ll have the chimney cleaned regularly from now on, and make sure the pot is fitted with a protective bird guard to prevent nesting.”

There have been 266 chimney fires in Oxfordshire in the last three years, according to the fire service.

The video above, released as part of the the Get Sweeping Campaign, shows a chimney fire in Woodstock in December 2018.

Oxford Mail:

Home and community safety manager Chris Barber, from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said all chimneys and flues should be regularly cleaned and checked.

Read again: Firefighters called to chimney fire in Grove

He added: “A blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisonings so it’s very important to employ a professional qualified chimney sweep.

“If the worst should happen, working smoke alarms can give you an early warning. Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly.

“And don’t keep this advice to yourself – pass it on. Is there anyone you know who may need your help in organising a sweep or testing their alarms?”

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for community safety councillor Judith Heathcoat, added: “We should never be complacent when it comes to fire prevention. “Householders have probably had their chimneys swept in readiness for winter, but many don’t check the first-floor link, where debris and dust can accumulate in the redundant upper floor fireplace.

“People with wood burners also need to ensure their chimney is cleaned regularly for the same reason, and it needs to be noted that there is the risk of logs igniting from radiated heat.

“Open fires provide a relaxing and atmospheric way to keep warm, but, please follow our safety tips to make sure a cosy home doesn’t become a danger zone.”

For further information visit www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/log-fires