Two of Frome's local chimney sweeps once again join together, this time to discuss the recent negative press surrounding open fires and wood burners.

Guy Lucas of G Lucas chimney sweep and Lee Waldron of the sweeping company both agree, there is no denying that anything that combusts will emit particles into the atmosphere which contribute to air pollution. Open fires and wood burners will be a big part of this, as will bonfires, BBQ's and fire pits. All of which release PM 2.5.

The leading organisations within the solid fuel industry are currently working alongside Defra and supporting their "burn better" campaign. The Defra burn better campaign is all about making changes for cleaner air.

As chimney sweeps we see first hand the result of what people burn. When a chimney is swept we can tell a lot about the way the fuel has been burnt, what fuel has been used, how the appliance is operated and we get to test and see how fuel is stored.

We don't actually feel its the number of fires in use that's the problem, we feel the big problem is down to a big percentage of the people using them incorrectly . We see it far too often, that people are using their fires as furnaces, burning poor quality wood, papers, plastics amongst other things you wouldn't believe we find!

Its actually very simple... if you only burn good quality dry approved fuel at the correct temperature it is far better for the appliance, chimney and most definitely the environment.

It is also worth mentioning that people are unknowingly buying in "seasoned" logs from local log suppliers thinking they are "ready to burn". This is often not the case, seasoned logs will often be delivered with a moisture content of between 20 and 35 percent and will need storing correctly for a little longer before use. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this and the logs are perfectly good and well seasoned, they just need a little longer before they are ready to go on the fire. Any reputable log supplier will be able to tell you the moisture content of the wood. It is also worth purchasing a moisture meter and checking it for yourself. It's important to make sure you are getting what you paid for.

Using a moisture meter is a great way of controlling the quality of the wood that you burn.

Kiln dried logs are excellent for burning, but if the process is followed correctly, well seasoned and well stored logs will achieve the same level of dryness, without paying the premium.

It's very important that if you buy kiln dried logs, that you store them correctly. If you store them outside the moisture content will just increase.

It goes with out saying do not burn any treated timbers, off cuts or green wood. Large quantities of papers, plastics and anything else similar should be avoided.

Basically the only things going into our fires should be good quality dry logs, very dry kindling and good quality fire lighters. If you use house coal or smokeless coal, ensure it is stored in a dry place.

Do not mix coal and wood on the same fire, they combust at different rates and produce lots of unburnt particles when burnt together. Using a multi fuel appliance is absolutely fine, just use one type of fuel at a time.

Do not slumber your appliance, by this we mean run it at a low temperature for a long time or try keeping it in over night. At low temperatures, there is incomplete combustion and many unburnt particles are emitted into the chimney and atmosphere.

Lay your fire using the "Swiss method" also known as the upside down fire..... This gets the chimney hot quickly and helps get the flue up to temperature to increase the rate of combustion.

And of course have your chimney swept and appliances serviced regularly.

We have been burning wood in our homes for both cooking and heating for 1000's of years, there is something very primal about a fire. We want to see this continue for many years to come, so it's important we all play our part and become responsible burners.

The sweeping company have gone a step further and are now planting a tree for every chimney they sweep via a charitable project.

If you would like any further guidance please contact either Guy or Lee using the details below.

G Lucas chimney sweep tel. 07887770340 or email [email protected]

The sweeping company tel. 07508907892 or email [email protected]