Firefighters were called to a chimney fire in Kingsdown last night (Friday).

One Deal crew attended the home in Wellington Parade at 8.30pm where a wood burner and flue were ablaze.

It took one hour to put the flames out.

They used a thermal imaging camera to located the fire which has started accidentally after heat spread behind the fire place to adjacent wood panelling.

Firefighters used chimney gear to extinguish the blaze and small tools to remove the panelling and floor boards in the room above to check to see if the fire had spread.

Dan Yates, watch manager, said: "Heat had transferred from the fire place to wooden cladding that was on the wall and set it alight.

"So we cut away the wooden cladding to ensure the fire was out and ensured the safety of the people in the house."

Mr Yates said he would like to remind everyone of the importance of smoke alarms in situations like this.

He called the smoke alarm the home hero, and said: "Make time for your home's unsung heroes - test your smoke alarms."