FOLLOWING a rise in the number of chimney and wood burner fires in recent weeks Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have re-issued some safety advice.
Station commander Alan Haley from the community risk department, said: "Fire crews have attended over ten chimney and wood burner fires so far this month.
"The weather has been colder since the turn of the year and more and more people are lighting fires to keep warm, we want people to be aware just how damaging they can be.
"A fire in a chimney can all too easily spread into the roof space and to other parts of a property, and can even destroy a home completely."
Mr Hayley recommends always using a fire guard, making sure embers are properly put out and keeping chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
For more information visit hwfire.org.uk.
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