Firefighters were called to deal with an off-season chimney fire.

Crews were called to deal with the blaze at Romnden Road, Smarden, at 11am today.

All occupants of the house had got out safely and the fire did not spread beyond the chimney.

An Ashford Fire Station spokesman said: “It was a little off-season for a chimney fire but it had been a bit chilly today so clearly that’s why the fire was lit.’’

One pump and a height vehicle were called out and the crews were at the scene for an hour and a half.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service regularly warns people to keep their chimneys swept to prevent a blaze.

See the chimneys and open fires part of the home safety section on www.kent.fire-uk.org