FIRE crews clambered across the roof of a property in Tetsworth, near Thame, this morning after a chimney fire broke out.

Crews from Thame and Watlington Fire Stations were called to the scene at 10.35am.

Flames were issuing from the top of the chimney stack and were extinguished before crews scaled the roof of the property to remove an unstable chimney stack.

Incident Commander Paul Webster said: “Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service recommends regular sweeping of chimneys to minimise the chances of a fire occurring. 

"As the cold weather begins to set in now is the perfect time to have your chimney swept.  Remember to have your chimney swept at least once a year, ideally before you light your first log or coal fire.

"Don’t let the sparks fly, make sure embers are under control, put out properly before you go out or to bed and use a British Standard fire guard to prevent sparks escaping. Store firewood away from fire places or stoves as there is a risk of accidental ignition via radiated heat, particularly over a period of time."