Lincolnshire fire service issue log burner warning

Log burners should always be fitted by a professional, the fire service said

People with log burners and stoves have been warned to ensure they have been properly installed and maintained.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service said the highest number of chimney fires take place in January and February.

Stoves and log burners are popular as a heating source with some people fitting their own, the service said.

It warned they should always be installed by a professional to ensure they operated safely.

Dan Moss, the fire service's area manager for prevention and protection, said: "We've already seen fires involving log burners this autumn often because items are accidentally left on top of them or too close to them."

He also said it was vital to ensure chimneys were swept regularly.

"Depending on what fuel you burn, you may need to have them swept more often than you think."

The fire service said the popularity of stoves and log burners had increased as an alternative heat source, given the rising cost of oil, gas and electricity.

This had resulted in some homeowners opting to fit their own and Mr Moss said the service had already attended a domestic fire caused by a self-fitted burner.

They should always be installed by a professional and a carbon monoxide detector should also be fitted in the room with the log burner, he said.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill and detectors are a cheap and effective way to prevent it."