FIREFIGHTERS are urging householders to ensure their chimneys are safe and to have them swept by a registered chimney sweep following a chimney fire in Knutsford on September 26.

The incident took place in Warrington Road in Mere at around 7.40pm after birds nest had fallen down a flue into the fire place, causing a fire.

Chimney fires accounted for more than 5,000 incidents dealt with by fire and rescue services between April 2014 and March 2015.

Many can be prevented if homeowners get their chimneys swept by a registered sweep to prevent chimney damage, and, in worse cases, household fires.

Advice that is being given is to always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers, make sure embers are properly put out before you go to bed and to keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.

To find a certified chimney sweep, or for more information visit hetas.co.uk.