– With the heating season now underway, we have noticed an increase in incidents caused by the improper use of heating systems – says junior brigadier Piotr Pilarczyk, deputy commander of the Bolesławiec County State Fire Service. – Since October 1, there have already been 15 chimney flue fires in the county. They are not difficult for firefighters to extinguish, but they are dangerous for residents because the fire may spread. There is also a serious risk of carbon monoxide and other flue gases being released.
What is more, since October 1, excessive concentrations of carbon monoxide have been detected in residential buildings in as many as five cases. One of these incidents required the evacuation of as many as 18 people.
– I would like to urge the residents of our county to follow the rules for operating heating appliances – emphasizes the deputy head of the Bolesławiec County State Fire Service. This includes burning appropriate materials in stoves and fireplaces, ventilating homes and, above all, having heating systems inspected regularly. – You must not cut corners when it comes to safety – adds junior brigadier Pilarczyk.
It is worth bearing in mind that if the chimney flue is found to have caused the fire and it has not been inspected regularly, there is a risk that the insurer will not pay compensation.
What should you do if a chimney flue catches fire?
You should:
- notify the emergency services and provide the exact location of the incident
- determine whether anyone’s life is at risk
- if smoke is already entering the home, leave it. (And ventilate it if possible)
- if the fire has only just started, try to extinguish the stove or fireplace.
The photographs from recent operations to extinguish chimney flue fires come from the Facebook profile of volunteer firefighters from Raciborowice (Warta Bolesławiecka municipality).