Don't give your chimneys the brush off "Get it swept" is the warning from West Sussex County Council Fire & Rescue Service, which has attended 219 chimney fires in the last 12 months.

As summer comes to an end, people will be looking to heat their homes and light open fires for the first time.The Service advises homeowners and occupiers to make sure they have their chimney regularly cleaned and to inspect its structural condition to ensure any fire doesn't spread elsewhere in the property. Radiated heat can often spread to roof timbers and items that are stored in attics.

Don't give your chimneys the brush off "Get it swept" is the warning from West Sussex County Council Fire & Rescue Service.As summer comes to an end, people will be looking to heat their homes and light open fires for the first time.

The Service advises:

SOLID FUEL APPLIANCES: Clean once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal.

WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES: Clean twice during the wood burning season.

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, said: "It is not sufficient to clean a chimney using a vacuum cleaner alone. Please ensure your chimney flue is inspected at regular intervals to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney. Fireguards can prevent serious injury or even death. Spark guards can prevent a serious property fire."
If you have had a chimney fire, it is essential the flue is inspected by a competent person to ensure it has not been damaged.
"The chimney must also be properly cleaned before using the fire again," said Jackie.

In the event of a chimney fire, the Fire and Rescue Service says:

• Dial 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
• If you have a conventional open fire, extinguish it by gently splashing water onto the fire
• If you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible.
• Move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace.
• Remove any nearby ornaments.
• Place a spark guard in front of the fire.
• Feel the chimneybreast in other rooms for signs of heat.
• If a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away.

Ensure access to your attic or roof space is available for firefighters as they will want to check this area thoroughly for signs of possible fire spread.

"Chimney fires can spread to the rest of your property - so always call us. Particularly vulnerable are thatched properties.
Jackie also reminded all residents to make sure their smoke alarms are in working order just in case a fire does break out.

Smoke detectors give you early warning of a fire in your home and enable you and your family time to evacuate safely.

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas and the only way to detect it in your home is with a properly fitted and functioning Carbon Monoxide Detector.

No matter what kind of heating system you use, a carbon monoxide detector can warn homeowners of potential carbon monoxide poisoning which could happen as a direct result of a chimney not being regularly maintained.

For more fire safety advice, contact West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on 01243-786211.
Free home fire safety checks that may include the fitting of a free smoke alarm are available by calling free phone 0800-3286487