Fireplace Safety Statistics: The Most Common Issues and How to Prevent Them
The most recent statistics from HETAS showed that, from 2023 to 2024, chimney fire incidents lowered by 16.29%! There’s no doubt that the awareness raised by organisations like HETAS and Woodsure played a big part in this decrease.
With nationwide safety campaigns, they encourage fireplace owners to use their appliances responsibly. After all, the main causes of accidental fires are negligent installation, user carelessness and improper maintenance.
Buyers can avoid the risk of mechanical failure by shopping for DEFRA-approved stoves and Eco-Design fires.
These models have undergone stringent quality assessments and are designed to meet the UK’s air quality standards. To learn more about fireplace safety (and what you can do to keep your home safe), stay with Fires2U.
Appliance size
The Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service are very clear on the dangers of improper appliance size.
Choosing a chimney that’s either too large or too small for your home can create hazardous conditions. For example, when the heat output exceeds what the chimney is designed to handle, it will be unable to volatilise the fuel.
The unburned fuel will then cause the smoke to condense and create creosote, a highly flammable substance that clings to the inner walls of the chimney. On the other hand, if an appliance is too small, it may struggle to generate enough heat for proper combustion.
Incomplete burning will also increase the amount of unburned particles that settle in the flue, which significantly raises the chances of a chimney fire.
SOLUTION:
The British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association stresses the importance of appliance and flue sizing. They state that the internal diameter of the flue should match the outlet on the appliance and never be less than this.
The best way to do this is by consulting a professional who can assess the flue’s height, width, and draft capacity. The right appliance will make sure the chimney is at the correct temperature and allow smoke to exit without leaving excessive residue.
Wet wood
Government statistics on air pollution show that domestic wood burning in both closed stoves and open fires was responsible for 38% of PM2.5 emissions in 2019 (these are tiny particles that can pose a serious health risk if inhaled).
Burning wood that hasn’t been properly dried is one of the biggest causes of chimney fires.
When wood contains too much moisture, a large portion of the heat energy is wasted on evaporating water rather than producing warmth. A fire that burns inefficiently at lower temperatures will eventually settle on the chimney as creosote.
SOLUTION:
As a responsible fireplace owner, it’s your job to purchase wood with a moisture content of 20% or lower. You can do this by looking for fuels with a ‘Ready to Burn’ certification.
Commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), this certification scheme makes it easier for buyers to source fuels approved under the UK’s Domestic Solid Fuels Standards.
These kiln-dried logs are the cleanest fuels to burn at home, as they have been processed to remove excess moisture.
For those seasoning their own logs, Woodsure notes that firewood that has been air-dried and stored under cover for at least 12 months (or 2 summers) can be dried down to around 20% moisture content (depending upon species, climate and storage).
Infrequent chimney sweeping
National fire and rescue statistics show that chimney fires have been continuously decreasing in most regions over the years. Now, they represent only 1.5% of the total fires for 2023-24.
However, infrequent sweeping and cleaning causes layers of soot, ash, and creosote to build up inside the flue. When deposits thicken over time, they can ignite if exposed to high temperatures or even a stray spark.
SOLUTION:
Recommendations from The Guild Master of Chimney Sweeps are to have your chimney cleaned as regularly as possible. However, the recommended frequency depends on the type of fuel you use:
- Wood: Quarterly when in use.
- Bituminous coal: Twice a year
- Smokeless fuels and gas: At least once a year
Shop for DEFRA-approved, EcoDesign stoves with Fires2U!
Modern wood-burning stoves are safer and more eco-friendly than ever. By following advice from the UK’s top authorities on fireplace safety, you can operate your appliance without any problems.
If you’ve yet to purchase a stove, take a second to browse the Fires2U collection. With leading brands like DRU, Dik Geurts and Stovax, you can find incredible deals on the industry’s best appliances.
