A dramatic video shows a chimney fire at a property in Wareham yesterday.

The blaze at Stowell Close, Wareham was reported at 11.31am on February 7.

The chimney fire had occurred above a wood-burning stove and was extinguished by a crew from Wareham Fire Station using a chimney kit.

A spokesperson for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Stowell Close, Wareham at 11.31am yesterday for a chimney fire above a woodburning stove.

“One crew from Wareham attended and used a chimney kit to extinguish the fire. They also used a ladder to inspect the chimney from above. Our stop was at 1.20pm.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue have the following advice on keeping chimneys safe:

A clean chimney can help prevent fires and structural damage to your property. Regular cleaning of your chimney or flue will eliminate the build-up of soot and clear obstructions such as bird or animal nests, leaves and debris.

It is not enough to use a vacuum cleaner and you should make sure that your chimney or flue is inspected regularly.

Chimneys should be swept:

  • At least once a year when using smokeless fuels
  • At least once a year when using bituminous coal
  • Every three months when burning wood
  • Once a year when using oil
  • Once a year when using gas

The following safety advice should always be followed when lighting an open fire or woodburning stove:

  • Don’t use flammable liquids such as petrol or paraffin to light your fire.
  • Don’t burn excessive amounts of paper or rubbish.
  • Don’t overload the fire with fuel.

When the fire is alight, check the loft space occasionally to make sure there is no smoke leaking from cracks, defective brickwork or mortar joints.