A YOUNG couple in their 20s had a lucky escape when a woodburning stove set their chimney alight.

The drama began just before midnight on Tuesday at their rented home in Oldfield Road, Honley, when the man was awoken by the smell of the fumes.

Fire engines from Huddersfield and Holmfirth raced to the scene and spent two hours extinguishing the blaze.

Huddersfield Watch Commander, Andy Blackburn, said: "When we got there the temperature of the wall next to the bed was 95 degrees Centigrade. You could have cooked your breakfast on it.

"It was a difficult job because we had to remove part of the chimney breast to get at it. We used a stirrup pump - they were introduced in World War Two to fight incendiary bombs.

"Although smoke alarms had been fitted there was no smoke in the bedroom so they did not activate. It was the smell of the fumes which woke up the man who could tell something was not right.

"The chimney had been swept six months ago but no liner had been fitted and we recommend that they are fitted to alleviate this."

The fire in the chimney also spread to a neighbouring property where the female occupant was unable to touch her bedroom wall either because it was so hot.

The crews remained at the properties for two hours monitoring the situation. A chimney is like a storage heater and takes a long time to cool down as they retain heat easily.

Commander Blackburn added: "Fortunately the integrity of the chimney has been of benefit. There were no cracks or splits which has kept the fire in the chimney."

If at first you don't succeed...tree again: Huddersfield's Christmas tree in place and looking great: Click here to see.