South Australia’s Fire Services are reminding the public to make sure their chimneys and flues are inspected and cleaned to avoid dangerous home-heating fires.
Community Engagement Officer for the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), Phil Evans said the MFS and South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) responded to 56 fires per year on average, which were linked solely to home heating and that had caused significant property damage, putting lives at risk.
Officer Evans said the increase in chilly nights prompted people to use open fires, combustion heaters and gas heaters to keep warm.
“Firefighters are responding to fires caused by sparks or embers that have escaped from open fires or that are caused by poorly maintained chimneys and flues,” he said.
“The MFS strongly recommends that at the start of each winter you have your chimney or flue inspected to ensure it hasn’t become blocked or deteriorated.
“Some South Australians may consider this a do-it-yourself project, however, for the safety of yourself and your family, it is important this is completed by a suitably qualified tradesperson in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.”
Officer Evans said it was essential flues and chimneys be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of flammable material.
“If resinous or unseasoned wood is burnt in an open fire, soot and flammable material will build up very quickly,” he said.
“If this is left to accumulate, it has the potential to ignite and cause a serious fire in the home.”
Officer Evans said a full-size fire screen should always be used in front of open fires and combustion heaters must have the door latched shut when in use.
He said householders should also have in place interconnected smoke alarms less than 10 years old and a Home Fire Escape Plan.
The MFS’s four-page Home Heating fact sheet can be accessed at this PS News link.
