Record number of chimney fires: Number has fallen by 40 percent in five years

The number of chimney fires is going in the right direction. In 2024, the fire brigade responded to 235 chimney fires. This is almost 40 percent fewer than in 2020, when the number was 391. Despite the large decrease, there is still about one fire a day during the heating season.- It is gratifying that we continue to experience a decrease in the number of chimney fires, but we must put an end to the last ones. If we maintain focus on correct lighting, we can make the downward curve even steeper, says prevention expert Mads Dalgaard from the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

At the Chimney Sweeps' Guild, they are also pleased that the number of chimney fires is decreasing. The reasons are due to, among other things, the replacement and dismantling of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, as well as the fact that they are often no longer used as primary heat. According to Børge Petersen from the Chimney Sweepers' Guild, part of the equation is also that owners of, for example, wood-burning stoves have become better at using it correctly.- We always have good advice on how to light the stove correctly when we are out inspecting wood-burning stoves. It is positive when we can see that our information work is bearing fruit, and the owners have taken the good advice to heart, says Børge Petersen.

Bjarne Nigaard, Head of Secretariat at Danish Emergency Services, adds:- If there is a fire in the chimney, you must shut off the air supply and call 1-1-2. You should never pour water on a hot chimney or wood-burning stove, as this can lead to violent development of steam or bursting pipes, so call the fire brigade immediately.

How to fire safely:

• Use only dry and clean wood
• Light up from the top
• Provide plenty of air
• The smoke must be almost invisible
• Keep a high temperature in the wood-burning stove, fireplace and the like.