30 Shropshire chimney fires in just 29 days

There were two further fires in Hinstock, near Market Drayton, and Ash Road in Oswestry last night, taking the total to 30 in 29 days.

Fire chiefs say that as temperatures plunge, more homeowners are turning to open fires and wood burners to stay warm – but they are ignoring warnings to have their chimneys swept, not realising the dangers.

Crews from across the county say they have been turning out to deal with incidents involving log burners, Rayburns and open fires.

Since Christmas, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have been called out on chimney fires four times each in Shrewsbury, Telford, Bishops Castle, Cleobury Mortimer and Oswestry, and twice in Market Drayton.

They have also attended incidents in Shifnal, Harmer Hill, Minsterley, Prees, Clun and Craven Arms.

Over the past two years, firefighters attended a staggering 349 chimney fires in Shropshire homes.

Community fire prevention officers today issued a stark warning to householders to call in a chimney sweep to prevent a serious fire in their home.

They said using unseasoned wood leaves tar deposits inside chimneys and flues which catch fire. There is also the danger of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning from chimneys clogged by soot and smoke.

Rabinder Dhami, the department's team leader, said: "A chimney fire makes a horrible mess in your home with the smell of smoke lingering for weeks.

"At worst they can lead to a serious house fire as flames spread through the roof space and if this happens at night when everyone is asleep the results could end in tragedy.

"With the weather forecast to remain cold the use of chimneys will continue. We just urge people to take precautions, call in a sweep, and ensure you have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide monitor installed.

"It would also be good to call on any elderly people living nearby to ensure they too are protected."