FIRE crews were called to a chimney fire at a house in Hepworth at 6.32pm this evening.

One crew from Ixworth attended the scene of the blaze in Church Lane, Hepworth, arriving at 6.48pm.

Crews used small gear, a nine metre ladder, a hose reel and a thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire.

Crews were back at base by 7.54pm.

Suffolk Fire advises anyone using a traditional open fire or woodburner to make sure their chimney is swept at least once a year to prevent accidents from happening.

People are also advised to keep a guard in front of a burning fire and always extinguish fires before going to bed or leaving the house.