GLOUCESTERSHIRE - Nappies, Christmas Trees and Cardboard: 43% of Installers Say Consumers Burning the Wrong Fuel Is the Biggest Chimney Fire Risk

New research released as Gloucestershire records 42 chimney fires last year, and during Chimney Fire Safety Week (7-11 September) 

7 September 2026, Gloucestershire UK: From nappies to Christmas trees, cardboard to household rubbish, fresh data reveals the surprising items being burned in wood-burning stoves, with 43% of sweeps and installers citing consumers using incorrect fuels as the biggest chimney fire risk.  

The research, released by Gloucestershire-based HETAS during Chimney Fire Safety Week (CFSW) (7-11 September), also points to a worrying decline in chimney maintenance. One in five professionals say stove owners are sweeping their chimneys less often than they were five years ago, while 37.5% say one in every 10 properties they visit has never had a chimney sweep.  

When asked why, 44% pointed to the cost-of-living pressures.  

Led by HETAS, CFSW is an annual, national campaign delivered in partnership with Fire Kills, industry, and Fire and Rescue Services to raise awareness for stove owners of the dangers of chimney fires and their most common causes.  

England recorded 1,665 chimney fires in the year ending March 2026 according to most recent Government data, with 42% of these between January and March.   

There were 42 separate incidents in Gloucestershire last year, while Devon and Somerset (135), Dorset and Wiltshire (89), Kent (74), Hampshire and Isle of Wight (63), and Hereford and Worcester (62) registered the most chimney fires.  

Industry advises that chimneys are swept a minimum of twice a year when burning wood, and at least once every 12 months when using smokeless fuels, regardless of the chimney type and lining.  

The right fuel must also be used. Strict regulations in England dictate that wood sold in volumes under 2m³ is ‘Ready To Burn’ certified with a moisture content of 20% or less, and Manufactured Solid Fuels must contain less than 2% sulphur content. 

Barry Cope, CEO of HETAS said: “Using the wrong fuel and a lack of maintenance means creosote deposits which are highly combustible and can ignite when heated, can build up in the flue causing a chimney fire.”  

Yet, infrequent sweeping, use of wet and unseasoned wood, and using the wrong fuel for the appliance were among the top three biggest chimney fire risks professionals encountered in customers’ homes.  

Unsafe burning remains commonplace with nearly a quarter (23%) saying they frequently see evidence of it.  

*Nearly half (49%) have encountered customers burning pallets, cardboard or packaging (45%), and treated or painted wood (38%) in the last year. Others report seeing household rubbish (14%), Christmas trees (11%), furniture or kitchen cabinets (9%) and garden waste (9%). Most concerningly, a small minority have encountered customers burning plastics (5%) and even nappies (3%). 

Stephen Bull, 66, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, is one such resident who experienced the dangers of burning the wrong fuel.  

“It was the afternoon of Christmas Day after I’d been for a walk, leaving the family at home watching television and enjoying their presents. 

“When I returned, our next-door neighbours were standing outside looking at our chimney, which was showering sparks onto the front gardens. I rushed into the sitting room and could hear a loud roaring noise coming from the chimney. I immediately realised the chimney was on fire, called the fire service and evacuated everyone from the house.  

“The firefighters arrived very quickly and used a heat detector to check the chimney breast in the bedroom above, which was extremely hot.  

“It turned out that a large plastic gift sack had been thrown onto the fire that day by one of the children, floated up the chimney and got lodged, which ultimately caused the chimney to catch fire. It was a very frightening and alarming experience.”  

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents to have chimneys inspected and swept regularly, use suitable dry fuels, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and working throughout the home. 

Donna Potts, Deputy Head of Prevention, said: “Regular chimney maintenance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help keep your home safe. Having your chimney swept by a competent professional, ensuring appliances are properly maintained, and using the correct fuels can significantly reduce the risk of a chimney fire. 

"A chimney fire can develop quickly and spread beyond the chimney itself. Regular sweeping, proper maintenance and working smoke alarms can make all the difference in keeping your family safe." 

“While chimney fires across Gloucestershire have reduced in recent winter burning seasons, they remain a seasonal risk. Most incidents are accidental and occur in homes, often during the late afternoon and evening when fires and log burners are in use.” 

Cope from HETAS added: “With the heating season approaching, now is the ideal time to make sure your stove and chimney are ready for use. If your appliance has been sitting idle over the summer months, arranging a sweep and service before autumn arrives is a sensible first step. 

“It’s also important to be confident about the fuel you are burning. If wood is sourced outside a recognised certification scheme, check that it meets the recommended moisture content, and ensure any stove installed since January 2022 meets Ecodesign standards. 

“A well-maintained stove, used with the correct fuel, is an efficient and reliable way to heat your home. Taking these simple steps can help reduce harmful emissions, minimise the build-up of flammable deposits in the flue and significantly lower the risk of a chimney fire.” 

Items customers admit to burning on their wood burning stove in the last 12 months 

Pallets -49% 

Carboard and packaging -45% 

Treated and painted wood -38% 

Household rubbish -14% 

Christmas trees -11% 

Furniture and kitchen cabinets -9% 

Garden waste -9% 

Plastics -5% 

Nappies -3% 

None of the above -29% 

The service areas with the highest number of chimney fires: 

Devon & Somerset -135 

Dorset & Wiltshire  -89 

Kent -74 

Hampshire and Isle of Wight -63 

Herefordshire and Worcestershire -62  

The service areas with the least: 

Isles of Scilly -1 

Cleveland -1 

Tyne & Wear -10 

Merseyside -11 

West Midlands/South Yorkshire -14/14 

Ends

Editors notes

About HETAS research  

The survey was conducted by HETAS between 23 July – 19 August 2026, obtaining 353 trade respondents, consisting of wood-burning stove installers which incorporates technicians and chimney sweeps.  

*When asked, ‘which of the following, if any, have customers admitted to burning in the last 12 months?’ Respondents could select more than one option, therefore percentages do not total 100%. 

About HETAS 

HETAS is an independent not-for-profit organisation promoting cleaner and safer choices to trade, retailers, and consumers, for the use of biomass and other solid fuels, appliances and associated technologies. 

Working with local and national government, industry experts and innovators, HETAS provides expert advice, training and clear evidence-based information to businesses, consumers and regulators. HETAS prides itself on investing surplus funds into business areas that directly contribute to safely reducing particulate and carbon emissions for the benefit of the people and the environment. 

For more information on HETAS, visit hetas.co.uk. 

Further messaging from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service 

The Service is reminding residents to have chimneys inspected and swept regularly, use suitable dry fuels, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and working throughout the home. 

Anyone who experiences a chimney fire should get out, stay out and call 999 immediately. 

While chimney fires across Gloucestershire have reduced in recent winter burning seasons, they remain a seasonal risk. Most incidents are accidental and occur in homes, often during the late afternoon and evening when fires and log burners are in use. GFRS continues to support national fire safety campaigns and is encouraging residents to make chimney safety part of their preparations for the colder months ahead. 

For more safety advice, please see: Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service | Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service