Homeowners are being told to clean up their act and get their chimneys swept by an approved sweep.

The call comes to mark Chimney Fire Safety Week, which runs until Sunday, September 10, and is part of the government's Fire Kills campaign.

Between April 2015 and March 2016 chimney fires in England accounted for more than 4,200 incidents dealt with by fire and rescue services.

Chimney Fire Safety Week was introduced in 2009 with the aims of raising awareness of safe chimney use and the importance of ensuring that chimneys are swept regularly, are clean and appropriate quality fuel is used.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is working in collaboration with HETAS and the National Association of Chimney Engineers (NACE), advising homeowners to take this opportunity to make sure their chimneys are ready for the colder months to come.

DWFRS safe and well manager, Vikki Thomas said: “A clean chimney can help prevent fires and structural damage to your property. Regular cleaning of your chimney or flue will eliminate the build-up of soot and clear obstructions such as bird or animal nests, leaves and debris.

“It is not enough to use a vacuum cleaner and you should make sure that your chimney or flue is inspected regularly by a qualified chimney sweep.”

Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, added: “Sweeping your chimney twice a year and using a quality assured fuel is the key to prevention. Not only does this remove soot and tar deposits, but also gives sweeps the opportunity to check for any problems with the chimney or liner.”

DWFRS is urging homeowners to ensure they have their chimney swept regularly, depending on what fuel they burn, before the colder months set in and they begin to use they fire again.

If the worst should happen, working smoke alarms can give you the early warning, and a fire-plan can help you ensure your family’s escape in a fire – make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly.

Chimney sweep Emily Skeet said: “A normal sweep will take me about an hour and a half as I like to have a good chat with the client about their appliance. Contrary to what many people may think, I don’t make a mess. I use modern methods and tools such as a power-sweeping, CCTV and vacuums to ensure minimal disturbance for the homeowner. I’ve had a few cases where customers move all of their furniture out of the room, which really isn’t necessary."

For more information on maintaining your chimney and how can help with fire prevention, visit chimneyfiresafetyweek.co.uk, dwfire.org.uk/chimney-safety or call 0800 038 2323.