A chimney caught fire at a property in Burton Bradstock, the fire service said. 

Firefighters from Bridport raced to a home in the west Dorset village to put out the flames yesterday afternoon.

Both fire engines from Bridport Fire Station responded to the blaze using a range of specialist equipment, including a chimney fire kit and a thermal imaging camera.

A spokesperson for Bridport Fire Station said: "We were called on Thursday, November 28 at 4.09pm with both pumps from Bridport Fire Station mobilised to a chimney fire in Burton Bradstock.

"Crews used two breathing apparatus, one main line, one chimney fire kit, one PPV fan, a thermal imaging camera, a gas monitor and small tools to extinguish the fire."

The fire has prompted the fire service to issue advice to residents on the importance of maintaining their chimney's to avoid fires as temperatures drop over winter.

The fire service added: "With the colder weather now settling in, more and more of us will be lighting our fires to keep warm.

"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."

The fire service said chimneys should be swept:

  • At least once a year when using smokeless fuels
  • At least once a year when using bituminous coal
  • Twice a year when burning wood
  • Once a year when using oil
  • Once a year when using gas