Warning after spate of fires

FIRE chiefs have issued safety advice after answering a string of chimney fires across Devon during the cold snap, including one in Torquay on Monday night.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the small blaze in Rillage Lane, off Avenue Road, at 7.20pm.

One crew attended the incident which was dealt with using chimney gear.

There were then a further two fires in Abbotskerswell and Buckfastleigh on Tuesday evening. No one was badly hurt but one man did need treatment for slight burns to his right hand.

One fire crew from Buckfastleigh was called to a bungalow in Plymouth Road just before 7pm. The fire involved the flue of an open fire. The crews used chimney equipment and small tools to deal with the incident.

Little more than two hours later a Newton Abbot crew went to St Mary's Close, Abbotskerswell, to deal with a fire involving a woodburning stove. They used one hose and chimney gear to put it out.

The Devon and Somerset brigade is urging home owners to keep warm safely this winter by taking particular vigilance over maintenance of chimneys.

Spokesman Paul Slaven said: "Chimney fires are one of the most common incidents that we attend. Many properties have lost the roof, first floor or in some cases been completely destroyed. The consequence of having a chimney fire includes the damage caused directly by the fire, along with the dirt and smell from the soot and smoke, which can affect all of your personal property."

The rescue service's simple advice is to:

Have your chimney swept regularly with solid fuel appliances, once a year at least for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal. Wood-burning appliances should be treated quarterly when in use while gas and oil appliances should be done once a year.

Do not overload the grate or appliance.

Maintain appliances in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires.

Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted as an additional safeguard against the build-up of poisonous fumes.

Extinguish any fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

Ensure chimney flues are inspected at regular intervals. Loft or roof spaces should also be checked.

The brigade insists that in all circumstances householders should fit smoke alarms so any sign of fire will be detected early. They can be installed in roof spaces to make sure all areas are protected.

Free home safety visits with free fitting of smoke alarms can be arranged by calling 0800 7311822.