Fuel costs blamed for fire surge

More people have been opening up old fire-places

Rising fuels prices have been linked to a sharp increase in chimney fires in south west Scotland.

Emergency teams in Dumfries and Galloway have seen figures rise significantly in the past three months.

Fire chiefs blamed the surge on the amount of people opening up old fire-places to burn wood and coal instead of paying for other fuels.

Fire and rescue area manager Norrie Davies said people had to be aware of the dangers involved.

There have been more than 100 chimney fires each year in Dumfries and Galloway in the past four years.

However, early indications are that this figure will be significantly overtaken this year.

Mr Davies urged people to take proper precautions if opening up old fire-places.

Blocked up

"We believe the upsurge in chimney fires is primarily down to the high cost of fuel," he said.

"A lot of people are turning from gas, electricity and oil for their heating to opening up old coal fires that they have perhaps blocked up.

"We believe that a lot of people are failing to sweep their chimneys on a regular basis."

Mr Davies also warned that while many people thought such fires were not dangerous they could easily spread.

"Some chimney fires can develop into full blown house fires," he said.

"There are quite often timber projections into the chimney and, as years go by and joints wear away, the timber can become exposed and go on fire."