Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is issuing safety advice to local residents, following an increase in chimney fires across the area.

Head of community safety, Wyn Cornelius said that chimney fires often start due to poor maintenance, with a build up of soot and tar going unnoticed until the cold weather arrives.

He also said that the recent heavy rain can cause deposits to wash down the chimney flue and block the outlet.

"A defective chimney can cause harmful gases such as carbon monoxide to escape into the home," he said "You can greatly reduce the risk of fire by ensuring that chimneys are swept on a regular basis "We urge all residents within Mid and West to have their flues inspected regularly to prevent fire breaking out of the chimney, in a living space or in to the loft.

"Please do not attempt to clean your chimney with a domestic vacuum cleaner, leave it to a qualified chimney sweep."

Wyn also reminded people to remember to store solid fuel such as wood or coal well away from their chimney system, as the fuel can heat and ignite if left too close to a solid fuel burning stove, causing a potentially serious fire.

"We are recently experiencing incidents relating to the build up of carbon monoxide," he added.

"We would urge all households to ensure that their boilers are inspected regularly and to fit the appropriate carbon monoxide detectors in their home.

More information on the dangers posed by chimney fires, general home fire safety and information on how to book a free home fire safety check can be found on www.mawwfire.gov.uk.