chimney fires in England
Recorded in 2025 to 2026. Each incident was serious enough for a fire and rescue service to attend.
Book a sweep Chimney fire prevention
A chimney fire can become a house fire
Soot and creosote can catch fire inside the flue. Nests and debris can block the route out, forcing smoke and carbon monoxide back into your home.
Chimney fires can smoulder without being noticed. Heat can damage the chimney and ignite nearby materials in the roof. Regular professional sweeping is essential fire prevention, not just cleaning.
Book a sweephappened from January to March
The busiest three months match the period when fires and stoves are used most.
A fire can smoulder unseen
Kent Fire and Rescue Service warns that a chimney fire may go undetected while heat builds inside the structure.
A blockage can trap poisonous gas
A blocked flue or poor ventilation can allow carbon monoxide to enter the property.
Do not put it off
Have the chimney swept regularly.
How often depends on the fuel, how much the appliance is used, its condition and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Heavy use may need more frequent sweeping. Kent Fire and Rescue advises quarterly sweeping while a wood fire is in use.
Book before the heating season and again after the busiest period of use.
Arrange a sweep before the heating season or after a long period without use.
If smoke enters the room, the fire draws poorly, soot falls into the appliance, you smell tar, or you suspect a nest, stop using it and arrange a professional check.
Home insurance
Your insurer may ask for proof of maintenance.
Policies differ, but homeowners are normally expected to keep their property in good condition. If chimney maintenance is relevant to a fire, an insurer may ask when it was last swept and what work was completed.
Keep every sweep certificate and invoice. They provide a dated record of the work completed.
Read your own policy. Ask your insurer how often they expect the chimney to be swept and what evidence they need.
Do not assume a certificate guarantees cover. Your insurer decides every claim using the terms of your policy and the circumstances.
Request a bookingSources
Check the facts.
Safety figures and guidance on this page come from UK fire services, HETAS and official national statistics.