Firefighters at Heathfield Community Fire Station have issued a stark warning after tackling a surge of fires sparked by unsafe wood burner use during the biting cold snap.
Logs Too Close to Flames Spark Dangerous Blazes
Crews rushed to homes where logs stacked too close to roaring wood burners caught fire or started smouldering. The intense heat from these burners caused nearby logs to ignite, filling homes with toxic smoke and putting lives at risk.
Simple Safety Tips to Stop Your Home Going Up in Flames
- Never store logs or kindling next to your wood burner
- Don’t dry logs beside the burner
- Keep firelighters, matches, and lighters well away
- Avoid stacking paper or newspapers near the burner
- Never place anything on top of the wood burner
- Always supervise a lit wood burner – never leave it unattended
Firefighters warn that following these basic rules will dramatically slash the risk of fires and hazardous smoke inhalation.
Remember: In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
