Another chimney soot fire occurred on January 25, before 10:00 p.m., this time in Iwiny. The fire was extinguished by firefighters from three units:

Akcja straży w IwinachAkcja straży w Iwinach • OSP Raciborowice

As reported by the Komenda Powiatowa PSP w Bolesławcu:

In view of the increasing number of call-outs to burning chimneys during the heating season, we make a fervent appeal to all residents of Bolesławiec County to exercise increased caution and vigilance when using all heating appliances, particularly those fueled by 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. A layer of soot just a few millimeters thick may already 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. Entrust this work to an authorized person—a chimney sweep.

What should you do when a fire has already started?

Uniformed officers:

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

It can end in tragedy

Uniformed officers warn:

A soot fire can result in a fire engulfing even 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 may force burning flakes of soot out of the chimney; carried by the wind, they 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 authorized 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.”