A homeowner has backed up fire service advice to have a chimney swept at least once a year after his chimney caught alight.

Vernon Reeve had just lit his fire at his home in Leslie Crescent, St Michael’s, when “there was this roar like a rocket taking off”.

Suspecting a chimney fire, he put his fireguard in place and went outside.

Mr Reeve, 71, said: “The fire went from crackling to a roar like a rocket taking off. There was a great whoosh and I knew what it was.

“I shoved the fireguard up and went outside and there was smoke, sparks and flames coming from the chimney.”

Mr Reeve dashed back inside and used a coal scuttle to remove the logs from the fire, threw them outside then called the fire brigade.

“They were here in minutes, dealt with fire and and put in a free smoke alarm as well,” he said. “There was no damage to the house but the chimney will need looking at as there are some cracks in it.”

Mr Reeve said he had the tools to sweep the chimney himself and had last done it two years ago.

“I knew I should have done it before starting the fires this winter, but thought I could get away with it,” he said.

“My advice is, keep your chimney clean and have it swept at least once a year.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service has already dealt with 53 chimney fires across the county this year.

Lee Rose, head of community safety, said: “Before you use your chimney, it is essential to ensure it has been swept recently, inspected to ensure it is in good repair and that sparks and fumes cannot escape though any cracks.

“Fires can start when the chimney becomes clogged with soot and debris but this can easily be prevented if you make sure your chimney is kept clean and you do not allow soot or ash to build up.”

Apart from Mr Reeve’s, other chimney fires attended by crews this month have included one at Romden Road, Smarden, on Friday and one at Sissinghurst Road, Biddenden, last Tuesday.

There was no major damage to the homes.

To find a chimney sweep, go to www.instituteofchimneysweeps.com