A HOUSE in Clyro has been badly damaged by a chimney fire this morning.

Firefighters from Hay-on-Wye, Talgarth and Brecon fought the fire from 8.14am. It was caused by a build-up of soot.

Crews used thermal imaging cameras to help fight the fire and remained on the scene until 10.47am.

A spokeswoman for the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fortunately, nobody was injured however there was extensive damage done to the property."

The force said householders can "greatly" reduce the risk of chimney fires by sweeping chimneys before use if they haven’t been used for some time and ensuring a fireguard is in front of the fire at at all times.

People are also reminded to never use petrol or paraffin to light fires.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps advices solid fuel appliances are cleaned one a year for smokeless fuel and twice a year for coal.

Wood burning appliances should be cleaned every three months when in use while gas chimneys should be cleaned once a year if designed for sweeping.

Oil Fired chimneys need to be cleaned once a year.

The fire brigade has also urged people to dial 999 if they spot a chimney fire.

The spokeswoman said: "We treat chimney fires like any fire in the home.

"If you have a conventional open fire, extinguish the fire by gently splashing water onto the open fire.

"If you have a solid fuel appliance, close down the ventilation as much as possible and move furniture and rugs away from the fireplace and remove any nearby ornaments. Place a fire guard or spark guard in front of the fire.

"Feel the chimney breast in other rooms for signs of heat and if a wall is becoming hot, move furniture away.

"Ensure that access to your attic or roof space is available for the fire service as they will want to thoroughly check this area for signs of possible fire spread."