FIREFIGHTERS who tackled a chimney blaze at a property in Wickford have issued a warning to other local residents to implement safety measures.

The fire happened at a home on North Crescent, Wickford, just after 6pm on Tuesday (6 April)

When fire crews arrived they reported that 20 per cent of the chimney was alight, and they requested an aerial ladder platform (ALP) so they could extinguish the fire from the roof.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 8.20pm.

A statement from Essex fire and rescue after the incident said: "Most chimney fires are preventable. Regular inspection and cleaning of chimney flues will help prevent fires within chimneys. Keep your family and home safe by following our chimney safety advice:

• Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood
• Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed
• Use a fire or spark guard
• Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them
• Inspect your chimney regularly - particularly in the roof space - to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks
• Avoid burning resinous woods as soot builds up quickly. Suitable seasoned timber must be used in all solid fuel stoves
• Buy only suitable fuels. Using the wrong type of fuel on a liner will reduce the life of the liner considerably due to increased corrosion