Warning over log burners after ‘substantial’ Sussex house fire

It follows an incident in Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham, when a resident was woken in the night by their smoke alarm after a pile of stacked firewood next to their wood burner caught fire.

Firefighters from Horsham and Billingshurst Fire Station rushed to the scene in Wickhurst Lane shortly before midnight.

They found a ‘substantial fire’ in the ground floor lounge and quickly got to work to extinguish it.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service group manager for fire safety Richard Bradley said: “Fortunately the home owner had a working smoke alarm fitted and was alerted to the fire, despite already having gone to bed, and with the help of a neighbour had managed to escape from the property before crews arrived.

“Having a working smoke alarm gives you the earliest warning that something isn’t right, giving you the greatest chance of getting out of your property safely.

“Had this resident not had a smoke alarm in their property, the outcome would likely have been very different.

“The fire was started after a large pile of stacked wood next to the wood burner downstairs caught fire. We would encourage people who have log burners or open fireplaces to ensure that their fuel supply is stored safely away from the fire itself so as to prevent it igniting unexpectedly.”

The fire service recommends that all properties have a working smoke alarm fitted to each floor of the property, and that this is tested at least once a week.

People with an open fireplace or log burner are urged to ensure fuel is kept in a safe area away from the heat source until it is used.

Fire can be prevented from spreading by ensuring internal doors are closed before going to bed or when leaving the property.

Experts say a closed door can prevent the spread of fire and toxic gases by up to 20 minutes.

For more information on home fire safety visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/

See also: Controversy rages over wood burning fires