Fire crews tackle chimney fire in Garstang

Firefighters were called to the home in Grizedale Crescent at 7.50pm, with a fire engine from Morecambe and the aerial ladder appliance from Garstang tackling the chimney fire.

Firefighters used a range of equipment including a chimney rod, a Nimbus nozzle, a thermal imaging camera and a single hose reel to extinguish the fire.

Fire crews were in attendance for around an hour and 15 minutes, before the fire was brought under control and safely extinguished.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said no injuries had been reported.

Chimney safety

Chimney fires have been increasing in recent years with the resurgence in popularity of multi-fuel and solid fuel fires.

Whether you’ve had an open fire for years or are relatively new to it all, here are some handy tips on how to use them safely and avoid a chimney fire.

1. Make sure that you have at least one working smoke alarm in your property.

2. Avoid burning household rubbish and soft woods as it can cause a build up of resin, tar/soot in the flue linings and start a chimney fire.

3. Clean your chimney regularly. Advice on this can be gained from the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) at www.nacs.org.uk.

4. Always use a fire guard. It will prevent embers “jumping” out of the fire and keep pets and young children safe from flames.

5. Never dry clothing on a fire guard or on a multi fuel burner. Avoid standing too close to a fire.

6. Be aware of the need for adequate ventilation to prevent a build up of poisonous carbon monoxide and fit a carbon monoxide detector.