The Fire Service is highlighting the dangers of leaving fires unattended, following a callout to a house in Slieau Whallian Park in St Johns on Thursday evening.

They were rang by a neighbour who'd seen smoke billowing out from under a door.

Crews entered the property in breathing apparatus and found some burning logs which'd fallen off the open fire and onto the hearth.

Edward Oldham reports (audio file attached:

They put out the fire, which had caused only minor smoke damage, and aired the house using a positive pressure ventilation fan.

No-one was home at the time.

Station Officer Tim Howland says you should never leave an open fire unattended, nor should you bank it up too much.

You should have your chimney swept regularly, especially if you burn wood, and always use a fireguard when you leave the room.