Warning over chimney fires
Firefighters were called to the fire in Harrowby Road, Meir, on Wednesday, at 4.30pm
Investigators believe the plastic items thrown on the fire had led to a build up of flammable substances inside the chimney.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service assistant area commander Ruth Watchorn-Rice said: "The chimney became blocked.
"We arrived to see thick smoke all around the outside of the building. It looked very dramatic.
"We urge everyone who has an open fire in their home not to burn waste materials or plastic items on them.
"As well as creating a fire hazard, the fumes which can be created by such materials are also potentially very dangerous.
"People should also have their chimneys swept annually or, if they are used regularly, every six months."
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