Fire warning (From The Oxford Times)

Fire warning

11:43am Tuesday 27th December 2011 in Wantage By Ben Wilkinson

Firefighters have warned people to be on their guard against chimney fires.

Sp far this year the Fire and Rescue Service has been called to 141 chimney fires in the county.

Johnny Mignon, landlord at The Perch in Binsey, lost his trade and home after a chimney fire at the pub in 2007.

He said the blaze was caused by a default in the lining of the fire place. The pub was destroyed in 20 minutes and took 18 months to rebuild.

He said: “It was the worst time of my life to see my whole building and business burn down.

“I lost everything, but the most important thing was that no one was hurt.”

Fire service risk reduction manager Stuart Garner said: “People should be extra cautious over the winter months as cold weather can increase the risk of fire within the home, with many residents enjoying a log fire.”

The service is advising people to have their chimney swept, make sure embers are under control and properly put out before they go to bed and to use a British Standard fire guard to prevent sparks escaping.

Mr Garner said “Do not overload your fireplace and make sure your fire is out before you leave the house or go to bed. When using a portable heater remember to unplug them before you go out or go to bed and keep away from curtains, furniture and other flammable materials.“ Dan Jones, from East Oxford-based Oxford Chimney Sweeps, said “It’s all about using the right type of wood.

“Nine out of 10 fires are caused by unseasoned wood, which produces a highly flammable tar that sticks to the walls of the chimney like treacle.

“You need to get your chimney swept once a year. It costs £35 and it could save you £35,000.”

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, added: “Winter is a lovely time of year and should be enjoyed by all.

“If everybody listens to the advice provided by our Fire and Rescue Service, particularly when heating their home, keeping warm and cooking, many accidents can be avoided.”

To find out how fire safe you are this winter, complete the online Home Fire Risk Check on the 365 Alive website at: 365alive.co.uk TOP TIPS TO AVOID A BLAZE: Never air or dry clothing near open fires or portable heaters.

Do not leave candles unattended, make sure they are in a proper holder and remember to extinguish them before you leave a room or go to bed.

Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.

Unplug electric blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all night use and check regularly for wear and tear.

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it weekly.

Have a fire escape plan.

Don’t get distracted when you are cooking – turn off or turn down the heat if you have to leave the cooking unattended. For example, to take a phone call or answer the door.

Don’t leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended – they can easily overbalance as they burn down, land on a carpet or newspaper and start a fire. Remember when you put it out, make sure it really is out.