Avoiding Chimney Fires

Shock figures showing Stockport as one of the worst areas in Greater Manchester for chimney fires, must serve as a ‘wake-up call’, according to one local sweep.

Stockport-based David Sudworth, of Mr Soot Chimney Sweep, discovered that at least 430 chimneys have caught fire across Greater Manchester in the last decade. He obtained the statistics from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service following a Freedom of Information Act request.

David, who sweeps across Greater Manchester, is a member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps. He has also been at the forefront of raising awareness of fireplace safety as a co-founder of the national campaign Burnright.

He said: “The worrying thing is that these statistics only tell a partial story. I’ve been to Stockport properties which have had a chimney fire and either the customer hasn’t realised, or they saw sparks coming out of their chimney but didn’t call the fire brigade. The real figure could be much higher.

“The truth is that chimney fires are entirely avoidable as it’s mostly down to a lack of sweeping. Despite the resurgence in ‘real’ fires over the past 10 years, some people mistakenly believe they don’t need to have their chimney swept, and that chimney sweeps are a thing of the past. These statistics demonstrate the exact opposite.

insights into the burning habits of the customer. Fuels which are either inappropriate for the fireplace, or burnt in the wrong way, can also cause a chimney fire. I always make a point of educating a customer on correct fuel choice and burning. But if they’re not getting that advice, and not getting their chimney cleaned, then they are putting themselves, their home and even their neighbours at serious risk.

“Every live flue should be swept a minimum of once a year by a professional, registered chimney sweep, regardless of how often it is used. Hopefully these statistics will be a wake-up call to people. Having your chimney swept is a small price to pay to help keep your property and family as safe as possible. And it stops you from potentially invalidating your home insurance.

Most chimney fires tend to occur at this time of year, so the time to act is now. Don’t become a statistic - get it swept.