Chimney fire 'significantly' damages family home

Crews from three counties attended the blaze in Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire, on Saturday evening

A large three-storey family home has been "significantly" damaged after an accidental fire in the chimney, a fire service has said.

More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze that spread rapidly in The Avenue, Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire, from 18:24 BST on Saturday.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews worked "tirelessly" to put out the fire, and no-one was in the building at the time.

An investigation found the fire "most likely" started in the chimney.

The fire was under control by the early hours of Sunday, with two crews remaining to check for hotspots and dampen down any areas as required.

Lee Slipanczewski, group commander, said: "Ensure chimneys and flues are swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep, and between sweeps, keep chimneys, flues and appliances clean and well maintained.

"If you have a fuel burning appliance, it is also advisable to have a working and regularly tested carbon monoxide alarm in the same room."

He also recommended that every floor should have a working smoke alarm that was regularly tested.