Highest number of chimney fires occur in South West

Devon and Somerset had the highest number of chimney fires in England over the past year

More chimney fires were reported in Devon and Somerset than in any other part of England over the past year, according to new figures.

Devon and Somerset crews responded to 181 chimney fires between April 2024 and March 2025, with Dorset and Wiltshire having the second highest number of such call-outs with 113.

Independent organisation HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) said it had analysed government data for Chimney Fire Safety Week, which is taking place between 1-7 September.

Steve Fisher, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service community risk manager, said: "One of the key things is making sure that a chimney is swept before the first burn of the season."

Despite the South West region having the highest number of chimney fires in the country in the past year, Mr Fisher said there had been a 75% drop in incidents of this nature since 2013.

He added that regular chimney cleaning and maintenance was important to help prevent fires.

"You want to get it swept by a competent and qualified person," Mr Fisher said.

"Some people might be tempted to do that themselves but it's not just about the clean, it's about it being inspected to make sure the chimney is actually safe to have a fire and you're not going to get any problems."

He said the consequences of a chimney fires included structural problems as well as water damage to the home due to the way they are extinguished.

Mr Fisher also warned people against using makeshift fuel in their burners, such as "foraged" wood, as owners look to get around rising energy prices.

Somerset and Devon's high rate of chimney fires could be down to the large number of thatched properties in the area, as well as the rural nature of the region, he added.

The figures showed that the number of chimney fires across England had fallen by 5% and accounted for under 0.5% of total fires in the country.