Stay safe on your cosy British summer break
HETAS, the solid fuel safety and standards organisation, has published its top tips for novice fire-lighters to keep us safe over summer.
With many of us braving a British summer holiday this year, cosy cottages with log burners are sure to be in high demand. Warming up after a day on the beach, or keeping the chill off the summer nights is often a realistic concern for the domestic holidaymaker.
Now that holiday cottages are such a popular choice, there’ll be thousands of people enjoying the comforts of a stove this summer, many for the first time.
Every year, accidents happen with fires in the home. If you have a fireplace or log burner in your holiday property, and you’re not used to lighting a fire at home, make sure you know in advance how to use it safely.
HETAS top tips:
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted appropriately and working correctly. Make sure to test on arrival
- Don’t leave flammable items near the fire
- Make sure there is a fire guard available and keep children and pets a safe distance away from the fire
- Check that the fuel you’re using is labelled ‘Ready to Burn’ and is the right fuel for the appliance you’re using – check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask the property owner if you’re not sure. Use the helpful postcode search to find your nearest supplier on the Woodsure website.
- Gather what you need to light a fire before you begin: matches, gloves, firelighters, Ready to Burn wood or Ready to Burn solid fuel, and kindling
- Make sure the fire is properly out before you go to sleep or leave the property
- See our useful article to help for lighting a fire
Ready to Burn laws cover the sale of fuels in England for burning in domestic properties. The law exists to help reduce the environmental impact of stoves and open fires in homes, but the benefits extend beyond that. Ready to Burn fuel is better for the appliance and produces less smoke in the home than other fuels like coal or unseasoned wood.
HETAS has worked with The Glamping Association to provide safety information about stove use for Glamping Association members and their customers.
Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, said:
“We want people to be able to enjoy a getaway safely, and we know that many families are doing things differently this year. I would urge people, if they are staying in a property with a wood-burning stove, to check with the property manager that it has been recently maintained by a HETAS registered competent person. That way, you can be sure it’s as safe as it can be for your visit.
Rob Farrow, chairman of The Glamping Association, added:
“It’s so important for our members that customers are able to enjoy a trouble-free break away from it all.
“The work we have done with HETAS to provide safety and maintenance information for our members and their customers has been very valuable, and really is relevant for holiday makers in all kinds of accommodation.”
Woodsure certifies Ready to Burn woodfuels, while HETAS certifies other Ready to Burn solid fuels. Ready to Burn fuels are less harmful for the environment, meeting certain standards to help limit particle emissions.
