Risk of unswept chimneys pointed out by firefighters
PEOPLE who do not have their chimneys swept regularly could be putting their homes at risk, the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service's fire safety manager, Steve Wilkes, has warned.
Firefighters have seen an increase in the number of chimney fires they are tackling, with 10 call-outs during February.
While there has only been one so far in March, Mr Wilkes said he was concerned islanders were not taking precautions.
'We ask people who do use open fires to make sure chimneys are swept at least once a year, and more if they use it throughout the year,' he said.
Older premises with fireplaces are particularly at risk, as brickwork can have crevices where soot can accumulate and could later catch fire.
New properties and those with wood burners have usually had their chimneys lined, so the smooth chimney leaves nowhere for soot to build up.
