The Fire Industry Association is highlighting the steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of chimney fires during Chimney Fire Safety Week.
Effective prevention includes using appliances correctly, choosing suitable fuel, maintaining chimneys and flues and ensuring appropriate fire detection equipment is installed and working.
For households burning wood, fuel should be properly seasoned and contain less than 20% moisture. Burning wet wood can produce additional smoke and water vapour, contributing to deposits inside the chimney and increasing the potential for problems.
Chimney fires continue across England
Although the number of chimney fires has fallen, fire and rescue services in England attended 1,655 incidents during 2025 to 2026, representing an 18% decrease compared with the previous year.
Incidents peaked between January and March, demonstrating the increased importance of chimney maintenance during periods when fireplaces and stoves are used more frequently.
With winter approaching, Chimney Fire Safety Week – 7 to 13 September – provides an opportunity for homeowners to arrange appropriate inspection and maintenance before regularly using their appliances.
Understanding chimney fire risks
One of the principal risks is the accumulation of combustible deposits, including soot and creosote, within the chimney or flue.
Burning wet or unseasoned wood can accelerate this process. Moisture within the fuel creates additional water vapour and smoke during combustion. As these products cool within the chimney, deposits can accumulate on internal surfaces.
Flues can also become obstructed by leaves, birds’ nests and other debris. Blockages can restrict the safe escape of smoke and combustion products and contribute to dangerous conditions.
Regular inspection and sweeping can help identify and remove these accumulations and obstructions before they present a greater risk.
Steps to reduce chimney fire risk
Homeowners should have chimneys and flues regularly swept and inspected by a suitably competent professional, with the frequency determined by the appliance, fuel and level of use.
Appliances and flues should be properly maintained and operated in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. Only appropriate, good quality fuels should be burned, while wood should not be allowed to smoulder for extended periods because incomplete combustion can contribute to soot and creosote accumulation.
Homes should also have suitable working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm, with devices tested regularly.
Potential warning signs of a chimney fire include roaring or unusually loud crackling noises, sparks or flames emerging from the chimney, thick smoke, a strong burning smell or an unusually hot chimney breast or surrounding walls.
If a chimney fire is suspected, occupants should leave the property, remain outside and call 999. They should not attempt to tackle the fire themselves.
Prevention remains essential
The decline in chimney fires is encouraging, but more than 1,600 incidents in England during 2025 to 2026 demonstrate that the risk remains.
Regular sweeping, suitable fuel, appropriate appliance maintenance and working alarms can all contribute to reducing the likelihood and potential consequences of a chimney fire.
As households prepare for increased use of fireplaces and stoves during the colder months, Chimney Fire Safety Week provides a timely opportunity to check that appropriate precautions are in place.
