FIREFIGHTERS in North Yorkshire have issued a warning to householders about modifying their fireplaces after two incidents involving faulty chimney breasts.

A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue spokesman said crews were alerted after smoke percolated into neighbouring properties from houses where the original fire surrounds and purpose-made concrete firebacks had been removed to create flat-fronted decorative chimney breasts.

The spokesman said: “This caused smoke and fumes to percolate into the neighbouring property and could have developed into serious house fires in both cases.”

He said alterations to chimney breasts should only be carried out by Heatas-registered installers, the official body of solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services.

He said householders should ensure they keep their chimneys clean.