Chimney soot causes fire in timber home

Firefighters attended the scene of the blaze in Thaxted

A blaze which significantly damaged a timber-framed home was caused by soot and debris in a chimney, firefighters said.

Crews were called to the property in Dunmow Road, Thaxted at 17:20 GMT on Wednesday after part of an interior wall collapsed.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the soot and debris meant the blaze spread quickly through the loft space and roof.

Station manager Kev Jenner said: "This incident highlights the importance of regularly maintaining and cleaning your chimney, especially in older, timber-framed properties, where fire can spread rapidly."

Crews from Thaxted, Saffron Walden, Newport and Braintree, along with an aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford attended.

Mr Jenner said: "Our crews worked incredibly hard in challenging conditions to stop the fire from spreading further through the property.

"Thankfully, the family escaped without injury but the roof has been significantly damaged and there is smoke and water damage throughout the home."