Check your chimneys before lighting fires

Local homeowners are being urged to undertake basic fire safety checks by local firefighters, especially as they prepare to light open fire and log burners as the weather gets colder.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is taking part in Home Fire Safety Month throughout September and will be undertaking publicity to ensure homeowners in Newtown undertake basic fire safety checks.

"At the start of the month we will be focusing on Chimney Safety. If you have an open fire or wood burning stove in your home, it’s likely that it hasn’t been used over the summer period," said 

"It is important to properly maintain flues and chimneys as any build-up of soot or debris increase the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and chimney fires."

You can read more about Chimney Safety on the fire service's website https://bit.ly/3biJp4N where there is further information on registered and insured Chimney Sweeps.

"Through the week commencing 14th September, Gas Safety Week will be addressing a whole range of gas safety matters with a focus on community safety in these difficult times - from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work though lack of awareness.   

"We also want to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which could cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning."

The fire service spokesperson added: "Most homes have at least one smoke alarm, however, homes have a greater number and wider range of gadgets and appliances, which we have become ever more reliant on.

"Therefore, just having one or even two smoke alarms and more gadgets may not be enough for some homes. Smoke alarms are still considered to be one of the most important devices in the home and we advise to have one fitted on each floor of your home and to test them every week. We also encourage you to:



·        Replace their Smoke Alarms every 10 years – even if they appear to work when tested.

·        Fit additional Alarms in the rooms that are used most.

·        Clean your smoke alarms regularly.

·        Purchase sealed unit alarms so the batteries cannot be tampered with.



Station Manager Will Bowen, Home Safety Manager said: “We want people to think beyond installing a smoke alarm on the landing and in the hallway and think about the risks in their own home to ensure they have the right detection in the right places.

"Home detection technology has advanced and products with sealed batteries or interlinked systems are available and as part of your home safety plan may give you precious minutes to escape if a fire starts."

For the latest up to date advice and information about smoke alarms and home safety please see our website for more details www.mawwfire.gov.uk

The Welsh Government’s aim is for all Welsh homes to have working smoke alarms Wales and provides funds for the Welsh Fire and Rescue Services to provide smoke alarms and other home safety equipment. 



Key Messages for Fire Safety in the home.

·        Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them every month.

·        If you smoke, ensure you stub your cigarettes out properly – Put it out. Right out.

·        Don’t leave cooking unattended and keep it out of reach of children.

·        Don’t overload electrical sockets and turn off electrical appliances and plugs before you go to bed or go out – apart from appliances that are designed to stay on, like freezers.

·        Keep lit candles, portable heaters and other sources of heat away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.

·        Plan and practise an escape route and make sure everyone knows it. v In the event of a fire, don’t tackle the fire yourself. Get out, stay out and call 999.