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A quick note about chimney fires.

In the last week or so I have been to see three properties that have just had chimney fires.  One was a modern clay lined flue the other two had flexible liners. All were connected to stoves and had been swept fairly regularly.  Each owner described the experience as  rather un-nerving mainly due to the fact that they didn't know what the end result would be, and that there were long blue flames coming out of the top of the chimney!  The fire brigade attended all three fires and all properties remained safe. 

But what could the owners have done to prevent these fires?  There is probably no one answer to this question.  However you have to ask "Why did the fire start?"

Chimney fires are caused by the ignition of tar or creosote deposits that are stuck to the sides of the flue. How did those deposits get there?  There is possibly a number of reason for this.

1. The wood being burnt is not dry enough

2. The fire is left to slumber, or tick over, for long periods of time

3. The chimney hasn't been swept

And the remedies:

1. Get a little moisture meter to check your wood OR get kiln dried wood from us!  That's guaranteed to be dry.

2. Every time you have a fire, make sure you burn it hot for at least half an hour to try to burn of any recent deposits.

3. If you're burning a lot of wood you may have to think about having the chimney swept twice a year.

4. Burn a Chimney Cleaning Log every 60 fires and get it swept soon afterwards..... it'll clean the flue a treat.  Buy them from us for £15.00

If your house is thatched..... take a look at the info on thatched cottages further into this site.

Take care.

NB: Phone the fire brigade asap if you suspect a chimney fire, and close all air vents on the stove.... Then get out and STAY OUT of the house.