FIREFIGHTERS are calling on homeowners to have their chimneys swept after a spate of fire.
Crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to 29 chimney fires across the region over the last six months.
Head of Prevention, Paul Etches, said: “The most common cause of chimney fires in Greater Manchester is infrequent sweeping and cleaning, so to prevent putting yourself and your family at risk of a chimney fire we ask you to follow our important safety tips and get your chimney swept at least once a year.”
Residents are also warned to make sure embers are properly put out before going to bed and always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers.
Mr Etches added: “Having a working smoke alarm can also give you and your family vital time to get out of the house if a fire did occur. It’s important to test yours regularly and we advise you do this once a week if you can.”
For a free Safe and Well Check to see if you could have an alarm fitted, call 0800 555815.
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