A chimney blaze has sparked firefighters into releasing safety advice to warn other residents about the dangers.

At about 7pm, firefighters from High Wycombe and Beaconsfield were called out to tackle the chimney blaze, in Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath.

They used chimney gear and a turntable ladder when extinguishing the flames.

Watch commander Paul Casey, of Beaconsfield Fire Station, said: “The chimney had not been swept for more than a year, and this was the underlying cause.

“Chimneys should be swept regularly to avoid a build-up of flammable material that can lead to a chimney fire.”

The fire service has issued a number of safety tips to residents to avoid the risk of chimney fires. They include:

  • Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers.
  • Make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed.
  • Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
  • If you have recently opened up or about to start to use a fireplace, make sure it is inspected by a qualified person.
  • When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only. Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.
  • Inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks.
  • Ensure wood burners are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Make sure the appliance receives enough air to allow the fuel to burn properly. Consider having a carbon monoxide detector fitted.