Using chimneys and fires safely

Fireplaces do have a number of risks, which mean it is important to pay close attention to them. 

Fireplaces will have a hearth, often slate, which creates space around the fire. Fires can get very hot, so you should avoid getting too close to avoid injury. Fire guards and grates should also be used. 

Burning wood can create carbon monoxide, so having a working carbon monoxide alarm in the same room as the fireplace is important to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Chimneys which are working correctly and are well ventilated will not typically release much carbon monoxide into your home, however issues with your chimney and ventilation can put you in danger. 

Burning dangerous materials on a fireplace can also be incredibly dangerous. Materials such as cardboard or plastic contain potentially toxic chemicals, and are also at risk of combusting which could lead to a serious fire. 

Having your chimney swept annually is essential to staying safe. As you burn wood in your fire, flammable deposits build up in the chimney. If a chimney is not swept, enough fuel can build up for a dangerous chimney fire to start. We will sweep your chimney annually, so allowing us to complete this work is an important way you can stay safe. 

Ensure you only use dry wood which is safe to burn, for example has not been painted. Even using damp wood can increase air pollution in your home, putting you at risk of health issues. 

Disposing of ash is another way you can stay safe. It is important to ensure ash has cooled before disposing of it, which is most commonly done by putting it in your black bags. Some gardeners also dispose of their ash on a compost heap. 

If your chimney has been blocked up, you should not try to reopen it to use it. Additionally, if you have been told your chimney or fire is not safe to use, you should not use it. 

We are committed to providing energy efficient homes for customers. There are other more efficient sources of heating than solid fuel, so we are supporting customers to make use of other types of heating to increase efficiency and cut down on energy bills. 

As a chimney is essentially an open hole to outside, they naturally let heat out of homes and can create cold draughts. By blocking chimneys up, we are reducing the amount of heat you lose.