FIREFIGHTERS were sent to extinguish a chimney fire in Swyre last night.

At 8.29pm last night a crew from Bridport Fire Station were called out to attend a chimney fire in Swyre.

The crew were able to help extinguish the fire using a chimney kit and a thermal imaging camera.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "One appliance was mobilised to a chimney fire in Swyre. On arrival crews found the homeowner had extinguished the fire in the wood burner but smoke was still emitting from the chimney pot, from under the roof tiles and within the loft space.

"A 13.5 metre ladder was erected and crews set to work trying to extinguish the fire from above and below using a chimney kit and thermal imaging camera.

"With smoke still being emitted crews removed the wood burner and upon inspection found multiple seats of fire caused by a large build up of debris. With better access the fires were extinguished.

"The chimney hadn't been swept for some time, there was no cowl on the chimney pot and the chimney stack wasn't lined. Most of the debris was twigs probably caused by birds nesting."

It is warned that chimneys should be swept and inspected for damage and it's also advisable to have a smoke detector in the loft.

More information can be found by visiting www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/causes-of-fires/chimney-safety/