As temperatures drop and the colder months approach, homeowners in the South West are being warned to keep their chimneys in check to prevent a house fire.

Ross Garner, Home Insurance Specialist at NFU Mutual, said, “We’d urge anyone with a multi-fuel stove, woodburner or open fire to ensure their chimneys and flues are kept clean, well maintained and swept on a regular basis by a professional chimney sweep.”

The insurer has warned that wood burning or multi-fuel stoves, which reach high temperatures, can also increase the risk of fire with thatched properties, as they send more live sparks and embers out of the chimney. Homeowners should also avoid burning waste paper on the fire and ensure that they only burn seasoned, correctly stored hardwood and use the stove according to manufacturer instructions.

Ross continued, “Many homeowners do not appreciate the costs of re-building a property, particularly if it is listed, so it is important that people check their buildings and contents are properly insured should a fire occur.”