asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 53 per cent of all fires in the home are chimney fires; and if he will initiate in each housing authority area an immediate sample survey of the condition, construction standard and by-law compliance of chimney construction.
Written Answers. - Chimney Fires.
100.
I am aware of the statistics which are derived from the fire statistics compiled by my Department from local authority returns. I share the Deputy's concern at the very high percentage of fires which are chimney fires.
The information available to me does not suggest that these fires are primarily caused by structural flaws but rather by inadequate chimney cleaning. I do not consider that a survey of the kind referred to is warranted.
In launching Fire Prevention Week I stressed the importance to householders of maintaining chimneys properly and recommended that all chimneys, in regular use, should be swept twice a year. Additional advice and guidance on fire safety in the home is available from the Fire Prevention Council, which regularly encourages householders to clean their chimneys.