Urgent safety advice has been issued to anyone using a wood-burning stove or open fire following a house blaze.

Two fire crews were sent to a property in Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, after hot ash from a wood-burner set fire to a cardboard box.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Crews arrived to smoke issuing from the basement of the building.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet and covering jet to tackle the blaze before clearing the property of smoke with a high pressure fan."

There were no injuries.

The fire, which was discovered at 2.30pm yesterday is believed to have started accidentally after ash from a log-burner was emptied into a cardboard box.

Firefighters were at the scene for 90 minutes.

The spokesman added: "We are reminding the public to always ensure any hot ash has fully cooled before safe and appropriate disposal."

Fire Advice

Chimneys and flues should be inspected and swept at least once a year for coal and twice if you are using logs.

Avoid overloading the grate or building fires too high.

Only burn suitable fuels.

Always use a fire guard and use a safety guard if you have pets or young children.

Ensure the fire is out before going to bed or leaving the house.

Do not dry clothes near the fire.

Dispose of ash safely and appropriately.

Be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

You can sign up to the fire service's free 'clean sweep chimney safety reminder' email.

Check the outside of your chimney for moss or grass or cracked mortar joints which are signs it may need repairing.

Note if it is leaning to one side or a pot is missing.

Check for smoke from defective brickwork in the loft when the fire is alight and avoid storing items too close to the chimney stack which might catch alight.

Never interrupt the air supply by blocking vents or air bricks.

Have working smoke alarms fitted on every floor and test them regularly.

How to spot a chimney fire

There is usually a roaring sound which grows louder as the fire gets hotter.

Listen for loud cracking, popping or a low rumbling noise from the chimney.

The walls of the chimney breast can become too hot to touch.

Watch out for embers falling back into the hearth.

Black smoke, sparks and flames can be seen coming from the top of the chimney.

In severe fires, flames can extend several feet above the chimney.

What to do

Call 999 and ask for fire.

Leave the room, close the door and make sure everyone in the property knows there is a fire.

If it’s a log burner or stove, close the vents and flue dampers if possible to restrict the oxygen feeding the fire.

Get outside through the quickest and easiest escape route.

Stay out until the fire and rescue service arrives.

If you can’t get out of the building, stay low to the ground and near a window.

Calling out for help will let firefighters know where you are.

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