A WARNING about chimney fires has come from firefighters after crews were scrambled to tackle a fire in Woodstock.

Three fire engines were called to the house in Oxford Street on Saturday after smoke was seen coming from the roof.

Crew found a fire alight in the chimney and heavy smoke billowing into the loft space.

The teams were able to use thermal imaging to check the fire itself had not spread to the loft, and used chimney roads and hoses to put out the fire in the chimney stack.

It happened shortly before 4pm and firefighters ensured the fire did not spread to the roof.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service incident commander, watch manager Gary Crone, from Kidlington, said: "January to March is our peak time for chimney fires and today marks the start of our Chimney Fire Prevention campaign for this year."

The fire service is urging people to be careful when using open fires or wood burning stoves as chimney fires become much more common this time of year as we hit mid winter.

The service launches it's chimney fire prevention campaign tomorrow with a host of advice to help avoid the risk.

It said the key messages include a warning to residents no to store logs too close to wood burners and fireplaces.

Advice for households with chimneys is to sweep them at least once a year, first floor fire places are also to be clear of debris, and ash to be disposed of safely.

Ash and hot coals are to be stored in a metal container, with a metal lid, and should be left for several days in a container before throwing away.

Details at 365alive.co.uk