Volunteer Fire Service in Parowa:
On Good Friday, our two units were dispatched to a chimney soot fire in Parowa. A unit from the Osiecznica Volunteer Fire Service also took part in the operation.
As reported by Komenda Powiatowa PSP w Bolesławcu:
In view of the increasing number of call-outs to chimney fires during the heating season, we strongly 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.
Firefighters from Bolesławiec:
- 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. A soot layer just a few millimetres thick can already cause an unwanted fire.
- Let us choose good-quality fuel – for both the stove and the fireplace.
- A chimney inspection and cleaning should always be carried out before the start of the heating season, as well as at least once every 3 months. And let us commission this work to an authorised person – a chimney sweep.
What should you do when a fire has already broken out?
Uniformed officers:
- Let us remember that in the event of a chimney fire, the fire should be extinguished immediately and the fire service called.
- Close 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 can also cause more carbon monoxide to form in the firebox, so windows should be opened.
It can end in tragedy
Uniformed officers warn:
A soot fire can end with a fire engulfing the entire house. If the chimney flue loses its airtightness during the fire, the flames will begin spreading to everything adjacent to the flue. The fire may then reach the attic and the roof.
Hot air can push burning soot flakes out of the chimney, and these – carried by the wind – can 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.