Recently, on a trip to the Southern Highlands NSW, I discovered a property that had burnt down as the result of a chimney fire. (All residents were safely out of the home at the time of the fire). It prompted me to include some  essential information as I am often surprised at just how many people don’t recognise the importance of a well-maintained fireplace. This is not just for safety but for efficiency and reduced emissions too.

The Home Heating Association of Australia advocate these points.

•  If you have children, a fireplace guard is always a good precaution.

•  Always insure that you have working smoke alarms in our home.

•  Never put clothes close to wood fires.

•  Never use petrol, oil or kerosene to help light the fire.

•  Regular chimney cleaning will stop the build up of creosote resin that contributes to chimney fires.