BEAMINSTER: Residents are being urged to sweep their chimneys this winter after a faulty wood burner caused a large roof fire.

Six fire engines and several specialised appliances were called to Potwell Farm Stables, Mosterton Cross, at around 11am on Monday and extinguished the blaze using hoses.

No one was in the building at the time of the blaze – which caused damage to the roof and smoke damage to the first floor of the property.

The stable at Potwell Farm houses around 50 horses, including those owned by National Hunt racehorse trainer Anthony Honeyball.

Residents are being urged to sweep chimneys before using them as the weather turns colder over the festive period.

Kate Underhill, prevention manager at Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The colder, winter months have arrived and we all want to start using open fires, wood burners and chimneys if we have them.

“In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps such as ensuring your chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn – and I would urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm in their home.

“All chimneys and flue-ways should be cleaned and checked during the summer months to ensure they are free from debris and in full working order before the heating season.

“A blocked or defective chimney can cause both chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning – so it’s very important to employ a professional qualified chimney sweep.”

Mr Honeyball told The News: “The fire brigade did a fantastic job and we can’t thank them enough for their support.

“Due to the speedy action of the team here at Potwell, all of the horses were kept very safe and it’s business as usual as we have horses running over the next few days.”

A member of staff at the stables unsuccessfully attempted to put the fire out before calling 999.

Incident commander Jason Moncrieff from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said: “On arrival, we discovered it to be a well-developed roof fire.

“Our priority was to ensure that we contained the fire and prevent the fire spreading to a nearby thatched property.

“The blaze was initially tackled by a member of staff – but this proved to be unsuccessful and they did the right thing by immediately calling 999. No-one was inside the property at the time.

“The owners did the right thing by getting out, staying out and calling the fire brigade out.”

Crews from Beaminster, Bridport, Charmouth and Weymouth were sent to the scene, along with further appliances from Crewkerne and Yeovil in Somerset. The fire was brought under control by 2pm – with the cause being a faulty wood burner.