Don't be a chimney chump this winter – get it swept!

That's the advice from West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service, which has attended 189 chimney fires in the last 12 months.

The recent change in weather has already seen a rise in chimney fires as people look to heat their homes and light fires for the first time this winter.

The Service advises homeowners to make sure they have their chimney regularly cleaned and to inspect its structural condition to ensure any fire doesn't spread elsewhere in the property. Radiated heat can often spread to roof timbers and items stored in attics.

The Service advises:

SOLID FUEL APPLIANCES: Clean once a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal.

WOOD BURNING APPLIANCES: Clean twice during the wood burning season.
Roger Wood , Head of Community Safety, said: "It is not sufficient to clean a chimney using a vacuum cleaner alone. Please ensure your chimney flue is inspected at regular intervals to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney. Fireguards can prevent serious injury or even death. Spark guards can prevent a serious property fire."

If you have had a chimney fire, it is essential the flue is inspected by a competent person to ensure it has not been damaged.

"The chimney must also be properly cleaned before using the fire again," said Roger.

In the event of a chimney fire, the Fire and Rescue Service says:

• Dial 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service.
• If you have a conventional open fire, extinguish it by gently splashing water onto the fire
• If you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible.
• Move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace.
• Remove any nearby ornaments.
• Place a spark guard in front of the fire.
• Feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat.
• If a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away.
• Ensure access to your attic or roof space is available for firefighters as they will want to check this area thoroughly for signs of possible fire spread.

"Chimney fires can spread to the rest of your property – so always call us. Particularly vulnerable are thatched properties. The fire that destroyed the Woodman's Arms Public House in 2004, for example, was started by a spark from a chimney fire. (See picture top left)

"Thankfully the pub has been able to recover. But for a homeowner to lose all their treasured possessions can be something that is more difficult to get over."

Roger also reminded all residents to make sure their smoke alarms are in working order just in case a fire does break out.

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "There's nothing more cheerful than a coal fire or wood fire – but that cheer can soon turn to fear and heartbreak if the chimney is not regularly swept, as our firefighters will tell you.

"So, I urge everyone to follow their advice."

For more fire safety advice, contact West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on .
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