Chimney fires are avoidable

Two fire crews from Leamington rushed to the home in Henley Road, Hampton-on-the-Hill, at around 12.30pm to find the fire in the chimney breast.

The fire was quickly extinguished, but specialist equipment was needed to remove debris from the chimney to ensure the fire was completely out.

Moreno Francioso, community safety and youth development manager at Warwickshire fire and rescue service, said: “Most chimney fires are preventable and regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help to eliminate the build-up of soot from coal, wood, oil and gas-fired systems. Just take the time to have your chimney checked.”