PEOPLE with real fires or wood burning stoves are being reminded to take steps to stay safe after the fire service tackled four incidents in a single day.

The call outs for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service came on Wednesday, March 12, with the first coming at 4.15pm when firefighters from Broadway and Evesham were called to a woodburner fire at a house in Broadway.

Crews were also called a woodburning stove fire at a property in Tenbury at 6.41pm, a small fire in a woodburner at a property in Cradley, near Malvern, just after 7pm and a chimney fire in at house in Bishampton, near Pershore, just after 8pm.

Station commander Alan Haley, of the fire service's community safety department, said: “We saw a cluster of chimney fires yesterday over the two counties and while there were no injuries as a result of these incidents, we want to ensure people realise just how devastating chimney fires can prove.”

He added a chimney fire can all too easily spread in to the roof and can completely destroy your home.

“Most chimney fires, however, are avoidable simply through good care and maintenance and we would urge anyone with a real fire or wood burning stove to ensure they have their chimney swept on a regular basis throughout the winter months.”