People are being urged to take extra care after a rise in chimney fires across Staffordshire.
Twenty-one were reported between September 1 and November 13, a rise from six in the same period during 2011 and 2012.
Now Lichfield and Burntwood residents are being asked to take extra care to avoid adding to the statistic.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue’s head of risk reduction, Glynn Luznyj, said: “The rise could be down to the fact that energy prices are increasing and people are using alternative, cheaper, ways of heating their homes now that the cold snap has arrived.
“It is absolutely vital that residents maintain their chimney flue thoroughly and regularly – the consequences of failing to do so could be life threatening.
“To keep yourself and your family safe, ensure that your chimney is swept at least once a year if you use smokeless fuel, oil or gas, twice a year if you use bituminous coal and four times a year if you use wood.”