HOMEOWNERS are being warned to check their chimneys as fire service bosses reveal the cause of a blaze which destroyed a historic building in Marshchapel.
Although investigations into the cause of the fire at Old Hall, in Sea Dyke Way, are still underway, initial findings show radiated heat from a chimney breast in the roof was to blame.
Debbie Robinson, deputy community safety manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: "With the cold weather set to continue well into April, please follow our simple steps to help you avoid a fire in your home.
"Put simply, if your chimney flue is clean, it will not catch fire because there is nothing in it to burn.
"Chimney fires most commonly result from four basic causes – having the wrong sized wood burner installed, infrequent sweeping and cleaning, burning of unseasoned wood or overnight burning or smouldering of wood for long periods.
"So to reduce the risk of a fire, make sure your chimney is swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep.
"As well as taking these precautions, make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home."
The Marshchapel fire, which broke out at about 6pm on Tuesday, caused severe damage to the roof and first floor of the Grade II listed building.
For a free home safety check in Lincolnshire, which could include the fitting of smoke alarms, call 01522 582222. Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has visited 99,712 homes and installed 106,000 smoke detectors over the last five years. To see if you are eligible for a home safety visit, call 0300 3038242.