Andorra Fire Service Urges Chimney Maintenance to Prevent Winter Roof Fires

Andorra's fire service is urging residents to ensure chimneys are properly maintained and insulated ahead of winter, warning that poor upkeep can lead to roof fires from faulty combustion.

Incidents involving chimneys are a recurring issue during cold months, with firefighters frequently called to extinguish smoke or small blazes caused by inadequate maintenance. Regulations require annual inspections to remove grease buildup from combustion, which can ignite inside the flue. "Protecting these deposits through proper cleaning makes a big difference," service sources said.

Beyond cleaning, proper insulation of the chimney duct is critical to prevent internal fires from spreading to roofs or adjacent structures. Many call-outs occur at private homes, but restaurants also pose risks due to daily use, requiring even more frequent checks. Without adequate compartmentalisation, a flue fire "could spark a second blaze on the roof," officials noted, particularly in wooden structures.

When responding, crews inspect surrounding areas for fire spread. They emphasise that well-built ducts, properly isolated, reduce the chance of secondary outbreaks. "One key area to watch is duct construction—if it's properly sectioned, we avoid fires spreading to the roof or elsewhere," they advised.

Firefighters stress vigilance with heating systems this season, as cleaning serves as essential fire prevention. Fortunately, most cases they handle involve compliant documentation, pointing not to neglect but to misuse, such as leaving fires burning overnight unattended. No major incidents have arisen from these events so far.