The incident took place on May 8. Volunteer firefighters from Krzyżowa:
[...] at 9:09 p.m. we were dispatched to a chimney fire in Borówki.
The fire was extinguished; fortunately, no one was hurt. Firefighters from Bolesławiec, Krzyżowa, Różyniec and Gromadka 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 chimney fires during the heating season, we appeal strongly 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. A layer of soot just a few millimetres 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 heating season begins, and at least once every three months. This should be entrusted to an authorised person—a chimney sweep.
What should you do if a fire breaks out?
The uniformed services:
- Remember that in the event of a chimney fire, you should immediately extinguish the fire in the hearth and call the fire service.
- Close the air supply to the stove and continuously observe the entire length of the chimney. (These actions cause the soot to gradually burn itself out.)
- Until the fire service arrives, it is advisable to provide access to all rooms containing the chimney flue.
- Restricting the air supply may also cause more carbon monoxide to form in the hearth, so windows should be opened slightly.
It could end in tragedy
The uniformed services warn:
A soot fire can end with a fire engulfing the entire house. If the chimney flue loses its seal during the fire, flames will begin spreading to everything adjacent to it. The fire may then reach the attic and roof.
Hot air may force burning sheets 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, the result 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 the soot burned must not be used.”