Firefighters have given safety advice after tackling a chimney fire.

One pump was sent to Clarendon Street in Dover shortly after 7pm yesterday.

The blaze was believed to have started accidentally due to a large amount of wood being burnt in an open fire.

Firefighters used a fire bucket, stirrup pump, chimney gear, short extension ladder and thermal imaging camera to tackle the flames.

They also advised the resident on the regular sweeping and cleaning of the chimney by a certified sweep.

This can be three times in the winter but at least once a year regardless of the type of fuel burned.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “ Keeping chimneys and flues clean and well maintained will reduce the likelihood of your chimney catching fire.”

You can sign up for the free KFRS clean sweep email alert to receive an email to remind you to get your chimney swept and properly maintained.