Every winter we have a spate of chimney fires across the country, thatched cottages get the headlines, but all houses with wood or multi-fuel stoves pose a fire risk unless they are maintained properly.

Before firing up your wood-burning stove this winter you must have your chimney swept and checked.

Creosote, the black gunge which gets deposited on the inside of your flue, burns at over 1000ºC. If any is coating the inside of your flue it needs removing.

The build-up of soot and particles inhibits the correct working of your flue and can cause back-drafts, you need a clear and clean flue to get the best performance from your stove and to reduce fire risk.

A sweep will also check the condition of your flue or chimney for damage, cracks and foreign bodies.

Don't become a statistic get your chimney swept. Read our post on how often to sweep your chimney

Please use these links to find a sweep near you.

The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps