If you have a fire fuelled by Your chimney should be cleaned
Wood Four times a year
Biomass Annually
Oil Annually
Smokeless Fuel Annually
Gas Twice a year
Bitumous Coal Twice a year

When having a new fire fitted you should always use a HETAS or OFTEC approved contractor or member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS). This will ensure your chimney is safe to use.

All chimneys and flue-ways should be cleaned and checked during the summer months to ensure they are free from debris and in full working order before the heating season. As well as causing a chimney fire, a blocked or defective chimney can also cause carbon monoxide poisonings so it is important you employ a professional qualified sweep.

Other tips to reduce the risk of having a chimney fire are:

  • When using an open fire, always use a fireguard to protect yourself against flying sparks and make sure any embers are put out before you go to bed.
  • All wood burned must have a moisture content of no more than 17 percent.
  • Buy an appropriately sized appliance for your room to avoid unburned fuel passing up the chimney as smoke and condensing in the flue as flammable creosote.
Firefighters attending a chimney.