Ablewight

Chimney Fires

These can be both incredibly dangerous and frightening, so why they are treated so casually beats me.

A burning chimney reaches very high temperatures, which can damage it so severely that it needs relining (see 'Relining').

It is basically a hollow solid fuel rocket that is trying to fly to the centre of the earth. It is fed with preheated air, and the fuel is preheated too. The only way to stop it properly is to starve it of heat and air. You therefore need to put the fire out and block the flue if possible.

DO NOT USE WATER unless you enjoy picking burning coals out of your soft furnishings.

Instead, smother the fire with damp earth or sand. Then it is ok to add a little water carefully, as steam will help to damp the chimney fire. Holding a wet blanket over the fireplace opening further slows things.

While this is going on get someone to phone the fire brigade, especially in an older house as a chimney fire can spread to the wooden structure. I trust I need not point out how chimney fires in thatched cottages are to be vigorously avoided. Regular sweeping carried out each year is the only way to reduce the risk of chimney fires.

Proprietary chemicals sold to reduce the need for sweeping are not to be relied on and may prove harmful to your wallet.