HETAS is urging homeowners to invest in proper chimney maintenance as part of Chimney Fire Safety Week (30 August – 5 September). Households with woodburning and multifuel stoves and fires are advised to have their chimneys swept to reduce the risk of chimney fires.

Chimney fires in England have fallen by as much as 66% over the last decade, but a significant number still occur every year, with 3105 incidences in 2020/2021.

HETAS, which accredits qualified chimney sweeps and installers, says regular maintenance is critical to helping to reduce the risk of fire, and strongly recommends that a chimney should be swept at least twice a year when burning wood.

This is one of three key steps recommended to keep homes and health safe when using woodburning and multifuel stoves or fires:

1.   Have your chimney swept by a registered qualified HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep
2.  Ensure your appliance is correctly installed and regularly maintained by having an annual service with a qualified HETAS Registered professional
3.  Using Ready to Burn certified wood fuel or Manufactured Solid Fuels (MSF), which is now a legal requirement.

Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, says: “Over the past decade the number of chimney fires has dropped by two-thirds and although numbers continue to fall year-on-year, the toll is still too high. It’s really important that we continue to help people to find and use qualified professionals for sweeping and maintenance, and also to find the right fuels, so they can keep using their appliances efficiently, safely and responsibly.

“Chimney fires might represent less than 2% of total fires but they can be absolutely devastating. However, the good news is that if people take the appropriate action such incidents are totally avoidable. We believe that informing homeowners about the importance of sweeping and maintenance, is the key to reducing the risk of chimney fires even further. With the weather changing and the nights beginning to draw in, now is the perfect time to have chimneys checked by a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep.”

HETAS operates a chimney sweeps’ approval scheme that ensures all approved sweeps are trained and experienced in their work. Working closely with chimney sweep trade organisations and independent sweeps, HETAS provides an online searchable list helping the public to work with professionals proven to meet the highest standards.

To find a HETAS Approved Chimney Sweep visit https://www.hetas.co.uk/find-chimney-sweep.