FIREFIGHTERS have issued a chimney warning following a fire at Chilton Farm Cottages in Brighstone.

The warning follows a chimney fire at the property in Chilton Road at about 8.30pm on Monday evening (November 9).

One pump from Newport and one from Freshwater backed up by the water carrier from Ventnor dashed to attend the incident.

Firefighters used chimney rods, other chimney gear and a thermal imaging camera as they tackled the fire, which involved a timber lintel above a wood burning fire.

They also cut away plaster and parts of a wooden beam above the fireplace, and brought the fire under control by about 10.30pm the same evening.

Duty officer Jeff Walls , Community fire safety manager at IWFire and Rescue Service, said: “Soot and smoke from the smallest of chimney fires can cause extensive damage to personal property while larger fires can damage the roof, wipe out the first floor or even destroy a home completely.

“Most chimney fires, however, are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help eliminate the build-up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas fired systems, while sweeping will also clear obstructions like bird nests, leaves and debris.”

He explained that the fire service tend to see a seasonal rise in chimney fires at this time of year but that statistics for September this year were particularly concerning.

He added: “We were called to more chimney fires in this year compared to last year, and while this may be weather-related to some extent, we are still keen to highlight this trend and encourage people to do all that they can to prevent chimney fires in their own homes.”

He urged anyone burning coal, logs, smokeless fuel or oil to act now to help keep their homes safe by making an appointment to have their chimney swept if they have not already done so this winter, and to ensure their smoke alarms are in full working order.

Further home safety advice is available at iwfire.org while details of approved chimney sweeps operating in your area can be found at the National Association of Chimney Sweeps website at nacs.org.uk

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