As reported by the Bolesławiec County Headquarters of the State Fire Service:

In view of the increasing number of call-outs to burning chimneys during the heating season, we make an earnest appeal to all residents of Bolesławiec County to exercise increased caution and vigilance when operating all heating appliances, particularly those using solid fuels such as coal and wood.

Bolesławiec firefighters:

  • Regular chimney cleaning is the foundation of prevention. Neglecting this duty causes soot to settle on the inner walls of the chimney and gradually clog it. Even a soot layer only a few millimetres thick can cause an unwanted fire.
  • Let us choose good-quality fuel—both for the stove and the fireplace.
  • We should have the chimney inspected and cleaned before the start of every heating season, as well as at least once every three months. This should be commissioned from an authorised person—a chimney sweep.

What should you do if a fire breaks out?

The uniformed officers:

  • Remember that in the event of a chimney fire, you should immediately extinguish the fire in the hearth and call the fire service.
  • Close off the air supply to the stove and continuously observe the entire length of the chimney. (These actions cause the soot to gradually go out).
  • Until the fire service arrives, it is advisable to provide access to all rooms through which the chimney flue runs.
  • Reducing the air supply may also cause more carbon monoxide to form in the hearth, so windows should be left ajar.

Tragedy may occur

The uniformed officers warn:

A soot fire can end with a fire engulfing even the entire house. If the chimney flue loses its seal during the fire, the flames will begin spreading to everything adjoining the flue. The fire may then reach the attic and roof.

Hot air may force burning sheets of soot out of the chimney, and these may be carried by the wind to other buildings.

They add: “If a soot fire is brought under control in time, the outcome may be limited to an inspection, cleaning or repair of the chimney flue by an authorised person. Nevertheless, until the damage has been assessed by a chimney sweep, heating appliances connected to the chimney in which soot was burning must not be used.”

(Photo: archive).