With colder nights fast approaching, Chimney Fire Safety Week 2016 (today, September 5, to 16) provides a timely reminder to make sure that your chimney is ready for the winter months ahead, say Cornwall firefighters.

As part of the national Fire Kills campaign, Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service are urging householders to ensure their chimney is safe and to have their chimney swept by a registered chimney sweep. 

Chimney fires accounted for more than 5,000 incidents dealt with by fire and rescue services between April 2014 and March 2015. This year’s Chimney Fire Safety Week calls for home owners to clean up their act and get their chimneys swept by a registered sweep to prevent chimney damage, and, in worse cases, household fires.

Visit www.chimneyfiresafetyweek.co.uk for advice, tips and information on how to find your local registered chimney sweep.

How often should you have your chimney swept?

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