VIDEO: Firefighters advice after rise in chimney fires

In figures released by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, crews extinguished 144 chimney fires across county in 2015.

Of this total 41 were reported in the Horsham district.

In a break-down of the figures crews attended six chimney fires in Horsham, three in Henfield, five in Partridge Green, nine in Storrington and three in Steyning.

Most incidents were reported in January and February and with temperatures predicted to plummet next week firefighters are urging people to ensure their chimney is ready for colder weather.

Jackie Boyle, WSFRS community fire safety manager, said: “The weather is predicted to turn considerably colder and we know people are turning to open fires - just last night our crews were called to two separate chimney fires. Thankfully, both were contained quickly, but they can be devastating.

“The best piece of advice we can give to anyone planning to light a fire is to make sure they get their chimney checked and swept.

“A blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning so we’d recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector if you’re burning solid fuel.

“You should also make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home - early detection saves lives.”

Crews have released the following advice on how to prevent chimney fires:

•Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained

•Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers

•Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house

•When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only

•Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire

•Do not overload the grate or appliance

•Make sure wood burners and other fire appliances are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

Regular maintenance of your chimney will depend on the fuel you burn:

•Smokeless coals - At least once a year

•Wood - Up to four times a year

•Bituminous coal - Twice a year

•Oil - Once a year

•Gas - Once a year

To find a certified Chimney Sweep or for more information on chimney fire safety visit www.nacs.org.uk, www.instituteofchimneysweeps.com/find.php, or www.hetas.co.uk.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3) Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The County Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.