This alert follows several incidents elsewhere in the country in the last five years, three of which resulted in serious injury, and sadly in one case, a fatality.

The risk can arise when a disused boiler has been left at the back of a fireplace and a coal or wood fire is lit in front of it. This can mean the boiler heats up causing the boiler casing to explode.

If you are unsure or believe you could have a redundant back boiler in your property, you should contact our Housing Maintenance on 01255 686477 as a matter of urgency. We will inspect and carry out any work necessary to make the situation safe. Until we have done this, you should NOT light a fire in the fireplace.