Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents who use open fires and wood burning stoves to take care after three callouts at the weekend.

Two fire engines were called to a house in Little Buckland Avenue, Maidstone on Saturday night (November 30) when paper stored under a wood burner caught light.

Maidstone Crew Manager Chris Puxted said the residents were not home when the fire started and there were no working smoke alarms but fortunately neighbours saw smoke and called 999.

He added: “Firefighters managed to get into the house and wore breathing apparatus to remove the burning material before using a high pressure fan to reduce smoke damage.

This incident shows that people using both fixed and portable heaters must ensure there is a safe distance between the fire and other materials.”

The following day, three fire engines were sent to tackle a large chimney fire at a house in Cranbrook Road, Benenden.

The fire, which started just after 1.10pm, is believed to have been caused by a build up of soot and debris on the chimney ledge which spread to the chimney stack and generated very high temperatures.

Crews remained at the house until 7.30pm until the chimney had cooled down, and returned just after 9pm to cut away at the walls and plaster, to prevent further damage.

Earlier on Sunday morning Ashford crews were called to Francis Road after a faulty log burner caused smoke damage.

Residents are advised to have chimneys swept and wood burners checked but it is also vital to have working smoke alarms fitted in your home, to ensure you and your family are alerted in the unfortunate event of fire and to give you the extra time you need to escape.

Wood-burning stoves and boilers should use only the right quality of wood and need to be properly maintained and regularly serviced.