Fighting Fires in Domestic Chimneys

Generic Risk Assessment 3.3 - Fighting Fires in Domestic Chimneys is part of a new series of Generic Risk Assessments (GRAs) that is the product of a ten year consultation period.

The GRAs have been designed to safeguard Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) personnel and members of the public.

This assessment examines the hazards, risks and control measures relating to Fire and Rescue Service personnel, the personnel of other agencies and members of the public when fighting fires in domestic chimneys, including similar structures in other buildings such as public houses.

It also covers false chimneys. Industrial chimneys pose specific risks and fall outside the scope of this generic risk assessment; therefore liaison with site owners may be necessary to identify individual characteristics.

This publication also does not cover fires in ducting and extraction units.

There are significant hazards and risks which face Fire and Rescue Service personnel at fires in domestic chimneys.