WITH the growing popularity of solid fuel fires, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services team is encouraging people to get clued up about their maintenance.
Used in the right way, they can create cosy warmth – but, if they are not properly maintained, they can become unsafe.
A small number of council homes still have solid fuel fires installed, and officers have been making their annual safety checks and issuing tenants with advice about how and when the stoves should be cleaned.
However, their advice also applies to homeowners.
Services Manager Len Davies said: “Regular servicing of solid fuel fires saves lives. Making sure they are maintained is important for your own safety, as well as that of your family and anyone who visits your home.
“It’s never too late to get them checked. Don’t put it off for another day, do it now.”
As part of a regular maintenance regime, chimneys should be swept at least once a year, and the throat plate and flue cleaned every fortnight and after heavy rain and strong winds.
Ash pans should be emptied at least once a day.
To burn safely, logs should be well seasoned, dry, with low resin content and not painted or varnished.
Rooms should also be ventilated as the fire needs fresh air to burn safely.
If anyone smells fumes, feels unusually faint or started to suffer with headaches, it could indicate the presence of Carbon Monoxide, which can be fatal.
Leave the room immediately, open doors and windows and call for help.
For further information visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk
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