Warning to householders after multifuel stove fires

OFTEC, the organisation which represents the domestic oil heating and cooking industry in Ireland, has issued a safety warning to County Meath householders following an incident involving a multi-fuel stove in January in County Wexford. 

Wexford firefighters have reportedly been called to several fires involving multi-fuel stoves in recent weeks. A fire service spokesman said two were particularly serious and involved hot gases from the stoves' flues going into the joists and setting fire to the roofs of two homes.

There has been major growth in the sales of stoves in Ireland in recent years, with as many as 40,000 estimated to be sold here annually. OFTEC issued important advice for stove-owners to prevent very dangerous incidents like those in Wexford happening again.

OFTEC Ireland manager, David Blevings, said: “While they have also fast become a trendy centrepiece in the homes of many families, it is critically important they are installed and maintained correctly. Like all fuel-burning appliances, they should be installed by a registered technician and then serviced at least once a year.”