A FIRE engine from Northleach was called to a suspected chimney fire in Chedworth yesterday afternoon.

Six firefighters were on the scene for half an hour before leaving the Pancake Hill property where the fire broke out.

As a result of the increase in chimney fires recently Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has issued extra safety advice on how to keep your home safe.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service deal with as many as 300 chimney fires each year and this has only been rising thanks to an increase in the popularity of solid fuel fires.

Chimney fires are usually started when high temperatures or flames from a very hot fire extend into a chimney and deposits of ash of soot ignite.

The advice from the fire service is that if you have a chimney in your home make sure it is clean and safe for use. Poorly maintained chimneys, hearths and fireplaces can increase the risk of fire breaking out in your home.

Chimneys should be cleaned between once a year and at least twice a year depending on the fuel you use in fires.

For a chart explaining how often chimneys should be cleaned and further information about how to prevent chimney fires visit: http://bit.ly/1o0O5Lt