CLEANFLUE NI CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Customer Open Fire Guidance
Keep your open fire safe and efficient
Open fires create a real flame and can produce large amounts of smoke, soot and harmful gases. Follow this guidance to protect your home, chimney and household.
DO’S
- Have the chimney swept at least once each year, or more often if the fire is used frequently.
- Fit a working carbon monoxide alarm in the room containing the fire.
- Burn the correct fuel. Use dry, seasoned hardwood with 12–24 months’ seasoning.
- Use wood below 20% moisture content; wet wood encourages creosote and poor burning.
- Build small, hot fires to start, then add larger logs after the fire is established.
- Ensure the room has adequate ventilation and do not block vents or grilles.
- Remove ash regularly, leaving only a thin protective layer on the fire bed.
- Inspect the chimney and fireplace for damage, cracks or loose bricks.
- Use a fireguard or spark guard to contain sparks and embers.
- Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.
DON’TS
- Do not burn household waste, treated or painted wood, plastics or coal substitutes; they can release toxic gases and damage the chimney.
- Do not use petrol, paraffin, lighter fluid or other accelerants to start or re-ignite a fire.
- Do not close every vent or window; the fire needs oxygen to burn safely.
- Do not leave the fire unattended.
- Do not overload the fire; overheating increases the risk of a chimney fire.
- Do not pour water onto a hot fire or ashes; steam can be dangerous and can crack the fireplace.
- Do not put hot ash in a combustible container; let it cool fully before disposal.
- Do not mix wood and coal in the same fire where a metal flue liner is present; moisture and sulphur can create corrosive gases and shorten liner life.
SUITABLE FUELS
Use well-seasoned hardwood such as oak, ash, beech or birch, seasoned for at least 12–24 months and below 20% moisture.
Use dry kindling and firelighters to start the fire.
Use smokeless fuel in smoke-control areas. The supplied guide says household coal may be burned only outside those areas; always check current local rules and appliance instructions.
Use the manufacturer’s instructions for the appliance and fuel.
Regular servicing and sweeping keep the fire safe and efficient.
Maintain adequate ventilation at all times.
Keep children, pets and flammable materials away.