Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging residents to prepare their chimneys for the colder months as Chimney Fire Safety Week returns from 7-13 September 2026.
The awareness week forms part of the national Fire Kills campaign and highlights the importance of regular chimney maintenance to prevent potentially devastating fires.
New Warwickshire incident data suggests that prevention messages are helping to reduce chimney fires across the county. During the final quarter of 2025, when chimney use is at its highest, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service attended eight chimney fires compared with 14 during the same period in 2024, a reduction of 43 per cent, but eight is still too many.
While the figures are encouraging, the Service is reminding residents not to become complacent and to take action before lighting fires and wood-burning stoves this autumn.
One of the most effective ways to prevent chimney fires is to have chimneys professionally swept just before the start of the heating season and after your stove has not been used over a prolonged period. Regular sweeping removes dangerous soot and tar deposits, improves efficiency and allows potential issues with chimneys, flues and appliances to be identified early.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is also highlighting the risk posed by bird nests and other debris blocking chimneys, which can increase the risk of fire and dangerous fumes entering the home. Residents are encouraged to consider fitting a chimney cowl to help prevent birds from nesting while still allowing smoke to escape safely.
Councillor Robert Gisbourne, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue, Community Safety and Flooding at Warwickshire County Council, said:
"The reduction in chimney fires across Warwickshire is positive news. However, every chimney fire has the potential to cause significant damage and put lives at risk.
"As we approach the colder months, I would encourage anyone who uses an appliance that requires use of a chimney to arrange for their chimney to be professionally swept and checked. It's also important to ensure smoke alarms are working properly and to consider fitting a chimney cowl to help prevent blockages caused by birds' nests and debris.
"Simple preventative measures taken now can help keep you, your family and your home safe throughout the winter."
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends that residents:
- Have their chimney swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep.
- Use the correct fuel for their appliance and avoid burning unsuitable materials.
- Fit a chimney cowl to help prevent bird nests and debris causing blockages.
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of their home.
- Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working correctly.
- Create and practise a household fire escape plan.
Residents are also encouraged to look out for family members, friends and neighbours who may need support arranging chimney maintenance or testing smoke alarms ahead of winter.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free Safe and Well visits, providing tailored advice on fire safety, smoke alarms and staying safe at home. To find out more or apply for a visit, go to: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home-1/apply-safe-well-visit
The HETAS website has a useful tool where you can find approved chimney sweeps in your area by using their simple postcode tool https://www.hetas.co.uk/consumer/services/chimney-sweeps/