Safety tips for log burners and open fires

It's really important to follow some simple rules to keep snug & safe with a traditional fire:

• Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
• Always have your chimney swept by a specialist – according to current guidelines
• Make sure you use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.
• Before you go to bed, make sure fires or hot embers are under control and guarded.
• Store logs away from solid fuel burners – radiated heat can cause them to burn.
• Keep clothing and fabric well away from open fires and log burners.
• Watch out for children and pets – supervise them carefully, and use fire guards.

Carbon Monoxide risks – gas fires, open fires and log burners

It's really important to fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm in all rooms containing solid fuel, gas or paraffin heaters. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and learn what to do if you suspect there may be a leak.

Creosote and Chimney Fires

The job of the chimney sweep is to remove soot, blockages and built-up creosote from your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber and damper.

This cleaning helps to create a safer and more efficient heating system.

It only takes a small accumulation of creosote glazing to create the right conditions for a potential chimney fire. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that builds up inside your chimney or liner as a result of burning wood. The rate of accumulation can be higher if you practice poor burning practices or have a burning appliance or stove that is not working well.

Different types of wood create different amounts of creosote when burned. Pine causes a rapid build-up of creosote and should be avoided as a regular source of wood. Creosote can also reduce the draw of the fireplace and reduce efficiency.

Pollution & Smoke Control areas

Wales was designated as a Smoke Control Area in 1995 to improve air quality. As a result of this, residents are only allowed to burn authorised fuels in an open fireplace or an exempt appliance. Burning coal is not permitted in Wales.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have recently launched a practical guide on the use of open fires and wood burning stoves. This guide covers advice on fuel use, maintenance of the open fire / stove, choosing the correct appliance, the law around smoke control areas, outdoor burning and the benefits arising from following these steps

In 2017 the new Woodsure scheme Ready to Burn was launched. This scheme identifies wood fuels that have been seasoned for up to 2 years so as to contain dry wood which produces fewer harmful emissions. A list of certified wood fuel producers who have achieved Ready to Burn status is available on the Woodsure website. The Ready to Burn scheme is supported by HETAS and DEFRA.

Further advice on how to correctly use a wood burning stove can be found at BurnRight, a national consumer awareness campaign which seeks to address the issue of domestic combustion and unnecessary air pollution. It is particularly concerned with the issues concerning wood burning stoves. The campaign is spearheaded by professional chimney sweeps. Chimney sweeps have a unique insight into the causes and solutions regarding this problem. They understand the relationships between the appliance, the fuel and the way the consumer operates their stove. They have the knowledge and the opportunity to make a very positive difference to most consumers burning habits. With BurnRight they now have the tools to help them deliver the right messages.