fire safety

With Christmas around the corner, many of us are eagerly decking the halls. But if your home features a stove or fireplace, it’s crucial to decorate with safety in mind. Fireplaces radiate intense heat, and poorly placed decorations can quickly become fire hazards.

For a beautiful and safe Christmas display, remember these essential tips:

As the nights begin to grow colder, many of us look forward to the cosy warmth of wood-burning stoves and open fires during the winter months. However, before you light that first fire of the season, it’s crucial to remember the importance of having your chimney swept. Ensuring your chimney is clear of obstructions will allow it to function safely and efficiently.

Regular chimney sweeping is essential for removing soot, bird nests, cobwebs, and other blockages. It also eliminates creosote buildup, a highly flammable substance that can lead to dangerous chimney fires.

How Often Should You Sweep your Chimney

At a minimum, your chimney should be swept once a year to keep it clean and prevent buildup that becomes harder to remove over time. Many homeowners opt for a sweep at the end of summer, ensuring their chimney is ready for the colder weather ahead.

The frequency of sweeping also depends on how often

A chimney cowl, typically crafted from metal, plastic, terracotta, or mesh, is installed at the top of a chimney stack. Its purpose ranges from enhancing safety and performance to reducing maintenance. Here are the main reasons to consider fitting a chimney cowl: 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood, and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.

You can’t see it. You can’t taste it. You can’t smell it, but carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a few hours.

As the Christmas season approaches, many of us are gearing up to deck the halls, and it's crucial to ensure that our fireplace decorations are both festive and secure. Transform your fireplace into a cosy focal point with these safety guidelines in mind.

Elevate your mantel and hearth with a visually stunning display, but always prioritise safety. Experts advise maintaining a minimum three-foot distance between the fireplace opening and any combustible materials, be it pillows, blankets, or seasonal decorations like stockings or garlands. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your stove to get specific guidance on safe distances from combustible materials, including Christmas decorations. 

Candles are a timeless addition to mantel decor, but they do require careful consideration, especially when mantels are made of flammable materials. Choose candles with appropriate containers or drip trays,