AN INSURANCE firm from Weymouth is urging owners of more traditional properties to carry out extra safety checks to ensure their Christmas is not ruined.
Throughout Dorset there are an abundance of thatched-roofed properties, and as the weather gets colder more and more people will ignite their fires to try and stay warm.
But David Upshall from Dorchester is urging people, especially those who live in a thatched house, to conduct a few safety checks to try and ensure they do not spark a chimney fire.
He said: “A chimney fire is always devastating for everyone concerned, and it can take months of work before the property is reinstated to a habitable state.
“But, by taking some sensible precautions you can minimise the risks.
“Sparks are a common cause of thatch fires but recent research reveals that another cause is heat transmitted from within a chimney serving a solid fuel stove, through the brick of the chimney itself, to the underside of the thatch”
To minimise risks there are some of the steps you are advised to take:
A suitable flue liner, of the correct size, must always be fitted to a fire or stove in a thatched property.
Chimney tops should be at least 1.8 metres above thatch and make sure there are no capping devices as they deflect sparks downwards.
Spark arrestors should not be fitted as they can, in time, become a fire hazard when they clog up with tar and soot – if you have one you can’t remove have it cleaned regularly.
A high level weather-proof vent should be provided in the chimney stack above the thatch, to allow heated air to escape and stop the build-up of heat within the brickwork of the chimney stack
Thatch should be sprayed with fire retardant spray every four years and to a distance of two metres around every chimney with an open fire, wood burner or other stove.
Only use woods that have been seasoned and with a moisture content of less than 20% Never burn household waste, cardboard etc. on the fire and make sure open fire and stoves are out before going to bed or leaving the property unattended.
For more information or for safety advice regarding chimney fires visit dorsetfire.gov.uk and search for chimney fire safety.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830987
e: lee.irving@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @DorsetEchoLee
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