Community
18 August, 2023
Brigades warn of soot danger
FIRE brigades across the western district are reminding all homeowners to prioritise cleaning their chimneys this winter to help prevent a fire.
A chimney fire in a house just outside Beaufort late last month was a timely reminder to all home owners of the importance of cleaning their flues.
The flue at that home was 95 per cent blocked by soot, which led to a significant build-up of black tar – which evidently caused the blockage and a fire to ignite.
So far this year brigades across the state have responded to 48 chimney fires.
Residents are urged to use a torch to regularly check for soot build-up or obstructions to reduce the risk of a fire starting from a fireplace or wood heater.
Recent statistics show most fatal fires start in sleeping and living areas so, for best protection, smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, living and hallway area.
Maintaining a working fireplace is essential for home safety. A fire screen should always be used in front of an open fire and wood, clothes and other combustibles should be kept at least one metre from the fire.
