Firefighters attended a chimney fire in Dean Street, East Farleigh, near the junction with New Cut yesterday evening.

Crews were called just after 5pm and used specialist chimney gear to extinguish the small fire. They checked the loft space and chimney breast for hot spots before leaving the property just after 6pm.

Following the incident, Kent Fire and Rescue Service issued a reminder to householders. A spokesman said: “Your chimney or the flue that lines it can be carrying dangerous flue gases from your fireplace, wood stove or other real-flame appliance safely out of your home.

“If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start thinking about the condition of your chimney before the weather starts to cool down. Get it swept and properly inspected by a certified chimney sweep.”