Chimney sweeps key to safety amidst decarbonisation, says Prague Congress

At the international congress of the European Chimney Sweep Federation (ESCHFÖ) in Prague, experts emphasized that chimney sweeps will continue to be crucial for safety during and after the shift away from fossil fuels. Despite Europe’s push towards cleaner energy, Czech fire brigade statistics show no decline in chimney fires, highlighting the ongoing need for inspections.

Jaroslav Schön, President of the Association of Chimney Sweeps of the Czech Republic, reported that nearly 1,300 chimney fires occur annually in the Czech Republic. Timely inspections by chimney sweeps have prevented hundreds of these incidents, protecting residents from flue gas poisoning and other hazards.

The congress, hosted at the Step Wellness Hotel in Libeň, welcomed over 100 delegates from 18 countries, including the United States. It was organized with support from the General Directorate of the Fire Brigade, the Czech Agency for Standardisation, and partners Jeremias, Almeva, and CIKO.

Oswald Wilhelm, President of ESCHFÖ, noted that the industry is adapting to the dual challenges of rising energy prices and the drive towards environmental sustainability. He highlighted new regulations like the ecodesign directive and discussed the sector’s evolution, including advances in education and technology.

The event also marked the 70th anniversary of ESCHFÖ, founded in 1954 by representatives from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany. Wilhelm emphasized the federation’s ongoing goals of promoting the chimney sweep profession, advancing technical standards, and fostering industry unity.

Vladimír Vlček, Director General of the Fire Brigade of the Czech Republic, reported that 1,262 fires in 2023 were caused by poor chimney maintenance, consistent with recent years’ averages. These fires resulted in significant damage and three fatalities. Vlček urged chimney users to prioritize regular inspections to prevent such incidents.

Schön confirmed these concerns, detailing over 6,000 detected defects, including those in gas-fueled flues. The findings underscore the importance of chimney sweeps in maintaining safety standards and preventing dangerous situations.

The congress also featured discussions with notable figures such as Drahoslav Ryba, Member of Parliament, and various industry leaders, focusing on the future role of chimney sweeps in Europe’s energy transition.