May 22, 2015
Queensland firefighters have reminded local residents with chimneys and fireplaces to give them a thorough check before lighting up this winter.
Blocked chimneys and unprotected fireplaces pose a significant fire risk and cause serious house fires.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner John Bolger said there was a tendency for residents to become complacent with chimney maintenance when fireplaces weren’t used regularly.
“I urge homeowners to ensure their chimney is thoroughly cleaned before using their fireplace, to avoid a potentially serious house fire,” Mr Bolger said.
“Avoid using an accelerant and, if possible, use seasoned hardwood and dry timber to reduce smoke.”
Mr Bolger also reminded residents to never leave a fireplace unattended and to have a guard or screen in place to prevent burning embers from floating into the surrounding area.
“Embers can easily escape a fireplace that doesn’t have a guard, and can set alight combustible materials in seconds,” he said.
“Never, under any circumstances, leave a fire unattended or leave children or pets unsupervised near an open fire or slow combustion heater.
“Never place hot ashes in household bins or council bins – only cold, fully extinguished ashes should be deposited in bins. Have a metal bucket which you use only for ash.
“If a house fire does occur, residents are urged to leave immediately and call Triple Zero (000) from a safe place.
“Under no circumstance should you re-enter a burning building.
“Our aim is to freeze fire fatalities this winter.”
QFES also offers a free home fire safety visit. To book a Safehome visit, call 13 QGOV (13-74-68) or visit www.fire.qld.gov.au
