Chimney warning after house fire

Chimneys should be checked each winter before fires are lit

Cornwall Fire Brigade has issued a warning to the public about chimneys after a house fire near Liskeard.

Crews were called to the property at Tremar Coombe just before midnight on Friday after a chimney fire spread to the roof.

No-one was injured, but firefighters had to remove roof tiles and cut through beams to tackle the blaze.

The brigade said people must check chimneys and flues before lighting open fires during the winter months.

A spokesman said the occupant had woken to find his room filling with smoke. There was a smoke alarm in the house, but the battery had been removed.

The brigade said another danger in the colder months was blockages in flues, which could also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Information and advice is available from the fire service.