The incident occurred on Thursday, January 20. Officers from the Volunteer Fire Department in Tomaszów Bolesławiecki:
At 7:30 p.m., we were dispatched to a chimney soot fire in Szczytnica.
The fire was extinguished. Firefighters from Tomaszów Bolesławiecki, Bolesławiec and Różyniec took part in the operation.
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 appeal earnestly 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 basis of prevention. Neglecting this duty causes soot to settle on the inner walls of the chimney and gradually block it. Even a layer of soot only a few millimetres thick can cause an unwanted fire.
- Let us choose good-quality fuel, both for the stove and the fireplace.
- Have the chimney inspected and cleaned before the start of the heating season, and at least once every three months. Always commission this work to an authorised person—a chimney sweep.
What should you do if a fire has already started?
Firefighters:
- Remember that in the event of a chimney fire, you should immediately extinguish the fire in the hearth and call the fire service.
- Cut off the air supply to the stove and constantly monitor the entire length of the chimney. (These actions cause the soot to gradually die down.)
- Until the fire service arrives, it is advisable to provide access to all rooms through which the chimney flue runs.
- Restricting the air supply may also cause more carbon monoxide to form in the hearth, so windows should be opened slightly.
It can lead to tragedy
Firefighters warn:
A soot fire can end up causing a fire in the entire house. If the chimney flue loses its airtightness during the fire, the flames will begin to spread to everything adjacent to the flue. The fire may then reach the attic and roof.
Hot air can push burning sheets of soot out of the chimney, and these, carried by the wind, may also reach other buildings.
They add: “If a soot fire is brought under control in time, it may end with only 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 the soot burned must not be used.”