Hampshire Firefighters are urging property owners to pay attention to the condition of their chimneys, especially those who often light open fires or woodburners.

Despite the recent warmer weather, there has been no lull in chimney fires, the service having attended six in the last week.

The service say chimney fires can develop quickly, and thatched properties are more susceptible.

The fire service saw a number of thatch fires last year, all of which the service say could have been prevented had the property owners taken preventative measures such as inspecting and sweeping their chimney.

Community safety officer, Paul Francis, said: ‘Chimney fires in all types of properties can be prevented.

‘Now that the weather is warmer a chimney fire may seem unlikely but they can have devastating effects.

‘Our advice is to get your chimney inspected and checked regularly by a registered chimney sweep and this will prevent a fire.’