Firefighters issue safety message as temperatures start to drop

Our firefighters are urging the public to take care when lighting fires in the home as the temperatures across Staffordshire begin to drop.

This week (1-7 September) marks Chimney Fire Safety Week, and as summer comes to an end, people might start to think about lighting log burners and fires to warm the home.

 Since April 2025, we have extinguished five chimney fires across Staffordshire.

On 6 June, we were called to Leek Road, Cheadle, following reports of smoke coming from a chimney. Two appliances attended the scene and used chimney rods to extinguish a fire inside the chimney. The occupants of the house were advised to have the chimney swept before relighting.

And on 2 April, we extinguished a fire inside a chimney of a home on Chester Road, Aldridge, that was caused by a faulty log burner.

Head of Prevent, Protect and Partnerships, Ian Read, said: “Our crews attend numerous chimney fires each year, most of which are preventable if chimneys are kept clean and safe.

“As the cooler months approach and people start to think about lighting the fire, I would remind people that chimneys always need to be swept before they are lit for the first time in a while.

“Residents should always get regular inspections, ensure wood is completely dry before use and stored away from naked flames. Chimneys can become blocked if poor quality fuel is used, leading to a build-up of carbon monoxide.”

For more chimney fire safety tips, visit  Chimney fire safety.