Devon and Somerset record highest chimney fire incidents
HETAS has reported that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires between April 2024 and March 2025.
This was the highest total recorded across all English counties, according to government fire and rescue service statistics reviewed by HETAS for Chimney Fire Safety Week.
The organisation said Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue services dealt with 113 chimney fires over the same period.
Hereford and Worcester reported 95, North Yorkshire recorded 90, and Norfolk reported 86.
Across England, there were 2,019 chimney fires, accounting for 0.33% of all fires and representing a 5% decrease compared to the previous year.
National campaign links to maintenance and sweeping
HETAS explained that Chimney Fire Safety Week is run annually in partnership with the Government’s Fire Kills campaign, the fire and rescue services, and industry partners.
The aim is to raise awareness among stove owners and encourage safer use and maintenance of appliances.
According to HETAS, over 1.5 million stoves are currently installed across more than 60% of UK households.
The organisation said its research found that nearly 1 in 10 stove users either wait two years or more between chimney sweeps or never arrange one.
It added that one fifth of stove owners have either never serviced their appliance or are unsure if they have done so.
HETAS highlights risks from poor maintenance
Calvin May, Head of Technical and Certification at HETAS, said: “Our latest data reveals some interesting insights into the potential causes of these chimney fires, reiterating the need for our annual awareness campaign; we even discovered that some stove owners weren’t aware their appliance needs regular, ongoing maintenance.
“Regularly servicing your solid fuel appliance and sweeping your chimney is essential to help reduce these annual chimney fire figures even further.
“No matter what type of chimney you have or whether it is lined or not, wood-burning stove owners are advised by industry to have their chimneys swept twice a year if they burn wood, and at least once every 12 months if using smokeless fuels.
“Appliances should be installed by a competent professional and serviced annually, using a HETAS registered servicing engineer for continued safety and compliance.
“If a chimney isn’t regularly swept then a sticky, tar-like substance called creosote builds up on the inner walls of the chimney flue – building much more rapidly if the appliance is poorly maintained or the wood isn’t properly seasoned – which can ignite and cause a chimney fire to rapidly spread.”
National Fire Chiefs Council stresses alarms
Jon Quinn, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Home Safety Committee, said: “Chimney Fire Safety Week is an important reminder that regular sweeping and maintenance are essential in reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
“The National Fire Chiefs Council also urge households to fit and test smoke alarms as they provide early warning of a fire and save lives.
“We also recommend installing a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to poisonous leaks.
“Smoke and Carbon monoxide alarms should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are working.
“By taking these simple steps, families can stay warm and safe as we move into the colder months.”
Industry advice on sweeping and servicing
Dr Nicki Harvey, founder of Dr Sweep, a chimney and stove service company in the West Midlands, said: “It’s so important to get your chimney and your appliance checked and swept regularly, and to test your smoke and CO alarm. By doing so, the stove will work better and more efficiently, it will be cleaner, and most importantly, it will be safer for you and your family.
“An experienced sweep can offer advice on how best to burn fuel or to use your stove controls.
“They can also spot and fix any issues early on, giving you peace of mind when using and enjoying your stove.”
Fuel standards and consumer habits
HETAS reported that just over 10% of stove users either do not check or only sometimes check whether their fuel is certified as ‘Ready to Burn’.
It found that one in five stove users collect their own wood, while 4% expressed concerns about costs.
Calvin May added: “With the recent energy price cap increase announced by Ofgem, homeowners are continuing to look for cost-effective ways to heat their homes, but when buying fuel for your stove you must remember to prioritise the safety of your home.
“In England, there are strict government regulations that any wood sold in volumes under 2m³ must be certified as ‘Ready to Burn’, meaning it has a moisture content of 20% or less and that Manufactured Solid Fuels contain less than 2% sulphur content.
“Both are critical to ensure that these fuels burn efficiently, safely and cleanly – both for the environment and stove users.
“This not only benefits the lifespan of your appliance but also reduces the risk of chimney fires when burned in a sufficiently maintained stove and alongside a regularly swept chimney.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The HETAS data highlights areas in England where chimney fire incidents remain comparatively high, providing a focus for prevention and community engagement by fire and rescue services.
The findings also underline the importance of consistent safety messaging about sweeping and servicing, which aligns with operational priorities around reducing domestic fire incidents.
For fire safety professionals, the campaign supports collaboration between government, industry, and services to promote evidence-based prevention measures.
It also provides a basis for targeted public awareness activity during colder months when stove use is more common.
Chimney fire safety data shows regional risks in England: Summary
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service responded to 181 chimney fires between April 2024 and March 2025.
Dorset and Wiltshire fire and rescue services recorded 113 chimney fires.
Hereford and Worcester reported 95 chimney fires.
North Yorkshire recorded 90 chimney fires.
Norfolk reported 86 chimney fires.
Across England, 2,019 chimney fires were reported in this period.
The national figure was 5% lower than the previous year.
Chimney fires represented 0.33% of total fires in England.
HETAS said 1 in 10 stove users wait two years or more between sweeps or never arrange one.
One fifth of stove owners have never serviced their appliance or are unsure if they have.
HETAS advised that chimneys should be swept twice a year if burning wood.
It said chimneys should be swept once a year if using smokeless fuels.
The National Fire Chiefs Council advised households to fit and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
Dr Sweep advised that sweeping and servicing improve efficiency and safety.
HETAS said wood sold in England under 2m³ must be certified ‘Ready to Burn’.
It added that Manufactured Solid Fuels must contain less than 2% sulphur.
The organisation said these rules ensure safe and clean fuel use.
The government regulations are designed to reduce fire risk and support air quality goals.