Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service has issued chimney advice after a bird's nest is believed to have caused a fire at the weekend.

Firefighters were called to a house in Radway Green Road, Radway Green yesterday just before 1pm.  

A Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: "A bird's nest is believed to have caused the fire.

"Firefighters removed the fire that was burning in the hearth and were able to put out the fire caused by the nest.

"They monitored the temperature both externally and internally using a thermal imaging camera."

Now they are urging people with chimneys to ensure they are clean and ready to use.

"Fires can start accidentally in your chimney. Soot and fuel residues slowly build up in chimneys over time and sometimes these leftovers can catch fire.

"If this happens, the chimney could send burning soot into your living room or start fires within the roof space or on other floors of the house.

"Even if it doesn't burn the house down, a chimney fire can cause a huge mess. You can help prevent this by having your chimney swept regularly.

Some types of chimneys need sweeping more regularly as follows:

·      Oil - Once a year

·      Gas - Once a year

·      Bituminous coal - Twice a year

·      Wood - Up to four times a year

·      Smokeless coals - At least once a year