Denmark chimney fires decrease by nearly half in five years

The number of chimney fires in Denmark has decreased by 46.5 percent over the last five years. According to data from the Danish Emergency Management Agency, Danske Beredskaber, and Skorstensfejerlauget, emergency services responded to 206 chimney fires last year, compared to 381 or 385 incidents in 2021.

Experts attribute this decline to two primary factors: fewer people are using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces as their primary heat source, and those who do use them have become more proficient at firing them correctly. Improved firing techniques have resulted in cleaner chimneys with less soot accumulation, reducing the overall risk of fire.

Despite the significant drop, emergency services note that chimney fires remain a recurring task, particularly during the cold winter months. Authorities advise that if a fire occurs, individuals should immediately close the air supply and call 112, warning against attempting to pour water on a hot chimney or stove.