Incidents with log burners prompts warning from fire service

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are warning of the fire risk if log burners are not fitted professionally.
Fire storyFire story
Fire story

The emergency service has been called out to two serious incidents in the last two weeks, one of which saw the owner/occupier of a static caravan lose two beloved pets.

In both cases the cause has been put down to the use of log burning stoves which had not been professionally installed.

Community fire safety manager, Shona Wright, said: “We would always recommend that people have their log-burning stoves fitted by competent and properly qualified engineers.

“There are legal requirements and regulations related to the use and installation of woodburners, it is definitely not something that you should carry out yourself.”

Dan Moss, group manager prevention and protection, said: “We are seeing an increase in people wanting to install their own log burners.

“Whether it is a house or a static caravan the advice is exactly the same. Special precautions need to be taken and regulations need to be adhered to.

“This is not an area to cut corners on – it is vital these burners are always installed by fully qualified and HETAS registered engineers, and checked regularly.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue recommend that you always follow the instructions for use, keep your burner clean, brush out flue passages once a month, have your chimney swept once a year, the burner should be installed and regularly serviced by a competent and qualified engineer, ensure the room is well ventilated and if you are burning wood it must be dry.