Following a spate of chimney fires in Cornwall during this week's spell of cold weather, firefighters are asking residents to make sure their chimney has been swept.

Two engines from St Mawes Fire Station were called to a fire at a two storey house in Kennerley Terrace, St Mawes, on Wednesday afternoon, while on Tuesday a crew from Falmouth attended a blaze at Mawnan Smith, and last Saturday and Sunday saw incidents at Gloweth and Shortlanesend near Truro.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has reiterated previous advice about chimney fires, which it said are mostly preventable with regular inspection and cleaning of flues.

As well as fires, the service has warned that a blocked central heating flue can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can happen with any fossil fuel system if it is faulty or the room is not properly ventilated.

A fire service spokesperson said: "We are urging anyone who plans to light their fire this winter to get it swept first. The cost of a chimney sweep is very small - from approximately £3 - when compared to dealing with the damage and cost of repair from a fire."

The service offered the following tips: Sweep the chimney before use; ensure a fireguard is in front of the fire at all times; sparkguards can prevent a serious property fire; extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house; never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire; make sure you have a working smoke alarm and check it works regularly.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has a network of fully insured members throughout the country, who work to a Code of Practice. For more details telephone 01785 811732 or email office@nacs.org.uk

It is recommended that solid fuel fires are cleaned once a year for smokeless fuel or twice a year for coal, wood burning fires are swept four times a year when in use, and gas fire which are designed for sweeping or oil fires are swept once a year.

In case of a fire, the fire service said occupants should first dial 999. A fire in a conventional open fire can be extinguished by gently splashing water, while with a solid fuel appliance the ventilation should be closed down as much as possible.

Furniture and rugs should be moved away from the fireplace, a sparkguard placed in front of the fire, and furniture moved away from walls if they become hot.

A spokesperson said: "Always call the fire and rescue service for a chimney fire - it has the ability to destroy your home."