The fire service have issued advice on chimney safety following a fire in Halstead last night. 

Firefighters extinguished a chimney fire in a property in Colne Road.

Two fire crews from Halstead attended the scene, extinguishing the fire by 7pm. 

The fire service has issued the following chimney fire safety advice:

  • Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood.
  • Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed.
  • Use a fire or spark guard.
  • Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them.
  • Inspect your chimney regularly – particularly in the roof space – to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
  • Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly. Suitable seasoned timber must be used in all solid fuel stoves.
  • Buy only suitable fuels. Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will reduce the life of the liner considerably due to increased corrosion.