Energy prices are skyrocketing and that will also affect the number of chimney fires. The fire brigade of Central and West Brabant expects more people to burn wood to heat their homes. More chimney fires also mean extra costs for society.
Last year, 37 percent of residential fires in Central and West Brabant were chimney fires. That percentage will probably be much higher this year. By warning people now, the fire service hopes that it will ultimately be easier.
“People are looking for alternatives to expensive gas and are going to burn wood in the fireplace or wood stove,” says Bertwin van Setten of the fire brigade.
“If people start burning more, the number of chimney fires will also increase. Because if people just start burning something and, for example, empty the trash can in the fireplace, you can wait for the flames to rise on the chimney one day. should call us.”
“A fire often brings a lot of misery.”
A fire happens faster than you think, because a chimney catches fire relatively easily. “That can already happen if you fire with the wrong materials,” explains Van Setten, who manages the Risk Management team.
“For example, you should not throw sleepers with tar in your fireplace, but also no plastic or paper. Then there will be deposits in the chimney from pieces that have not been completely burned. If that later becomes too hot or catches fire due to a spark, you have a chimney fire.” And that is exactly what the fire service wants to prevent. From October there will therefore be a special campaign to warn the people.
“We especially hope to reach people who have not used their fireplace for a long time or who are now going to do so more often. They must be well informed about how and what they use. For safe firing good wood, good lighting and a good drainage channel.”
For their own safety, the user of the fireplace or wood stove must also ensure that the chimney is in order. “The chimney sweep must clean the pipe properly at least once a year. There are excellent companies for that and that is also a condition of many insurers.”
“If there are more fires, it costs society money.”
Because the fire often remains in the flue, there are usually few victims in a chimney fire. But if the pipe is leaking, the fire becomes just as dangerous as a fire in the living room or bedroom. “A fire often brings a lot of misery, so you have to make the chance as small as possible,” says Bertwin van Setten. “In addition, you also have a responsibility towards your neighbors.”
And to society, because more chimney fires cost society more money. “If insurers have to compensate more damage, the premiums will go up. This is how citizens pay the bill.”
