Tilehurst family evacuates smoke-logged home

Flames leaping from chimney in blaze

A TILEHURST family were forced to evacuate their home yesterday (Thursday) evening, due to a chimney fire.

One pump was called at 6.15pm from Dee Road Fire Station, Tilehurst, to a large house in Oakdale Close.

Firefighters discovered flames and smoke issuing from the chimney.

The house was smoke-logged and the occupying family had self evacuated.

No-one was hurt.

Firefighters used specialist chimney equipment to extinguish the blaze, before leaving the scene at 7.30pm.

Firefighters afterwards issued a reminder to ensure smoke alarms were installed in properties and that existing smoke alarms – including batteries – were working, as a safety measure, whilst chimneys above open fires should be regularly swept.