Use a wood burner or open fire safely

Use this guide before you light the first fire of the season in a wood-burning stove, multi-fuel stove or open fireplace. Have details of your appliance, your local council's smoke control area information and a working carbon monoxide alarm ready. Gas fires need a Gas Safe registered engineer, not this guide.

Step by step

1. Book a chimney sweep before first use

   Have the chimney swept by a qualified sweep, ideally before the heating season starts; many sweeps recommend more frequent sweeping for wood than for smokeless fuel, so ask yours what suits your use. Look for a sweep who is a member of a recognised trade body and who gives you a certificate afterwards, as your home insurer may ask for it. Ask them to check for blockages such as birds' nests, and to look at the condition of the flue and any signs of tar build-up. If you rent, ask your landlord in writing who arranges sweeping.