A build-up of soot caused residents to evacuate their home when the chimney set on fire.

Firefighters had to use an aerial platform to fight the flames in the chimney of a house on Highfield Lane in Lascelles Hall last night.

The open fire had been affected by a combination of issues, which prompted the fire at 6.25pm.

Crew Commander Matthew Green, of Huddersfield Fire Station’s white watch, said: “I think the fire had been overloaded with wood, and there was some high wind and a build up of soot, all were contributing factors.

“It did cause some damage, the carpets in the downstairs room were damaged and the house was filled with smoke, the occupants had to get out, it was too much for them.

“We tried to deal with the fire from the hearth, but it didn’t work so called in the aerial platform and put water down the chimney from the top.”

Chimney fires are becoming more common as open and wood-burners are increasing in popularity.

The firefighter advises: “There are recommendations to keep the chimney clear, if you use wood clean it quarterly, if coal or any other substance then clean it twice a year to avoid a build up of soot.”

A similar fire happened in Birkby in February with a wood-burning fire and last year West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 364 chimney fires – 15 since November 1.

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