Two treated for smoke inhalation following chimney fire in Wem
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation following a chimney fire in Wem yesterday evening.
Three fire appliances were mobilised from Prees, Wem and Whitchurch to the property on Lowe Hill Road at around 7.48pm.
All persons were accounted for and safely out of the smoke filled property prior to the arrival of firefighters.
Two female casualties received oxygen therapy from Fire Service personnel prior to the arrival of West Midlands Ambulance Service.
West Mercia Police also attended.
Firefighters also attended a chimney fire on Hanmer Road in Whitchurch and another at Manor Place in Higher Heath.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service recently launched their annual chimney fire safety campaign.
Over the past year, firefighters were called to deal with 114 chimney fires in the county – most of them avoidable, they say.
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority member, Councillor Keith Roberts, said: “I would encourage all residents with open fires or log burners to have their chimneys and flues swept regularly by an approved chimney sweep.”
People should also ensure they have working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide monitor installed.
In the UK, there are about 7,000 chimney fires each year, most of them preventable.
To find a chimney sweep in your area contact The National Association of Chimney Sweeps www.nacs.org.uk/sweep-search/
