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Posted by Tony Flynn on 22nd July 2011 at 05:16 PM
Sweep it clean this Summer
‘SWEEP it – and keep safe’ is the message from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service at the start of Chimney Safety Week (25 -30 July).

As householders across Greater Manchester adopt solid fuel fires as a source of heating their homes, the fire service is keen to educate people how to safely maintain their chimney to avoid a costly fire.

Only last week a fire involving a chimney broke out at a home on Astley Road in Irlam, caused by a build-up of soot. It took ten firefighters to bring the fire under control as it spread to timber joists inside the roof.

With summer in full swing, cleaning a chimney isn’t at the forefront of householder’s minds - but the best time to get your chimney checked and cleaned is when it’s out of use.

Director of Prevention and Protection Peter O’Reilly said: “Cleaning a chimney is extremely im­portant to prevent chimney fires and potential house fires - without the correct maintenance a chimney can become dangerous. National statistics show there are approximately 6000 chimney fires a year across England – however most of these are preventable.

“To keep yourself and your family safe from fire, chimneys should be swept regularly. If the worst should happen, remember having a working smoke alarm could give you the extra time to escape if a fire broke out in your home.”

Regular maintenance requirements of your chimney will depend on the fuel you burn and the guidance frequencies are –

Smokeless coals – at least once a year

Wood – up to four times a year

Bituminous coal – twice a year

Oil – once a year

Gas – once a year

For more information on how to book a free Home Fire Risk Assessment please call 0800 555 815 or visit www. manchesterfire.gov.uk

Source: GMF.



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