A CHIMNEY fire broke out at a home in Christchurch.

Firefighters responded quickly to the scene, where it was found that the blaze had spread from the chimney into the loft space.

At around 9.03pm on Friday, November 8, one pump from Christchurch was dispatched to Hurn Road to tackle the fire.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews swiftly gained initial access by removing roof tiles and tackling the fire from the outside.”

Additional resources were requested, including Christchurch on-call crews, Westbourne’s pump and ALP, as well as teams from Springbourne, Redhill, and Ferndown.

The fire was successfully extinguished with the help of eight firefighters using breathing apparatus.

Christchurch firefighters offered advice to help prevent chimney fires. They recommend having chimneys swept regularly, particularly before winter use. For those who burn wood, more frequent sweeping may be necessary.

Other tips include using a fireguard or spark guard to prevent sparks from escaping, choosing the correct appliance size for your room, and using the appropriate type of fuel.

Avoid burning softwoods, which can quickly lead to the build-up of resin and soot.

The service also suggests extinguishing fires before going to bed, keeping wood stored away from the fire, and ensuring it is dry before use.