Firefighters used specialist gear to tackle a blaze in a chimney breast.

They used a special rod push up the chimney to squirt water, putting out the flames.

One fire engine, from Ashford, was called out just before 6.55pm to Bowls Road, Charing, tonight.

The firefighters were at the scene for 45 minutes to half an hour.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We remind residents with open fires to have their chimneys swept regularly to avoid a build up of soot which would cause a fire, and to only burn suitable fuel."

Chimney fires are a regular hazard in winter and full details of protecting your home can be found in the home safety sectin of the website kent.fire-uk.org.