Chimney safety advice after Ringmer and Rodmell fires

Crews from Lewes responded to a chimney fire in Harrisons Lane, Ringmer, on Wednesday, January 13, at 6pm.

They used a chimney kit, a hose reel and cutting away equipment to extinguish the fire. Firefighters also used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was out.

At 7.10pm that day, the same crews responded to another chimney fire in a wood burner flue at a property in Rodmell. Crews from Barcombe were also sent to this incident.

Crews bought the fire under control and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished.

Advice from Lewes Community Fire Station is to make sure your chimney is swept at the beginning of the season by a professional chimney sweep.

If you are burning wood, the advice is to sweep your chimney twice a year. If you are burning coal, sweep your chimney once a year.

Use seasoned wood, which isn’t too wet and always use a fire guard where appropriate.

Visit www.esfrs.org for more information.

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