Fire crews called out to tackle chimney fires across the county

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to two reports of chimney fires in Swanage and Longburton on Saturday. 

Swanage Fire Station were called out at 6.48pm and two crews extinguished a fire at a home using a chimney kit and a thermal imaging camera.

Sherborne Fire Station were called out at 7.30pm to a chimney fire in Longburton.

The fire crew assisted with the removal of debris from the chimney too.

At 8.30pm on Sunday evening a crew from Blandford extinguished a chimney fire at a house in Winterborne Whitchurch. 

As more people light fires for the winter season, here is Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service's tips for chimney safety:

Chimneys should be swept:

*At least once a year when using smokeless fuels

*At least once a year when using bituminous coal

*Every three months when burning wood

*Once a year when using oil

*Once a year when using gas

The following safety advice should always be followed when lighting an open fire or woodburning stove:

*Don’t use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to light your fire

*Don’t burn excessive amounts of paper or rubbish

*Don’t overload the fire with fuel

When the fire is alight, check the loft space occasionally to make sure there is no smoke leaking from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints.

For more information on fire safety visit dwfire.org.uk