Heating and fires

Whether you have an open, gas, or electric fire or source of heating in your home, there are lots of things you can do to ensure you’re using it safely. 

Open fires 

Open fires are lovely when the weather gets colder, but it’s important to make sure your chimneys, fires and stoves are regularly cleaned and inspected. 

Learn about chimney and fires safety on our dedicated Chimneys and open fires page, including why you should have it swept regularly, plus the opportunity to sign up for our free Clean Sweep chimney safety reminder email. 

As well as following the advice on our Chimneys and open fires page, don’t forget to: 

• always use a spark guard, even if you think the fire has died out. Sparks can still unexpectedly shoot out of even a damped-down fire and set fire to your home. 
• avoid drying clothes in front of an open fire – this is a big fire risk!  
• ensure wood, coal and other fuels are stored at a safe distance from the fire. 
• make sure that there is no clutter on or around the fireplace. 

Gas 

Gas is a very convenient fuel, but it’s important to use it safely. Head over to our Gas page for advice and remember to always ensure your gas appliances (including cookers, boilers, fires, pipework and flues) are fitted, checked and maintained each year by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. This will not only help to protect you and your home from fires, explosions, leaks, but also from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.  

Electric 

If you use an electric fire or heater: 

• make sure they are serviced regularly. 
• keep them a safe distance from furniture and curtains 

When using electricity and electrical appliances, it’s very important to make sure you do not overload your sockets. Try out our ‘Socket Overload Calculator’ on our Electricity page to help you check you’re using electricity safety.