Fire and Emergency New Zealand are urging homeowners to follow safety tips following a chimney flue fire being extinguished in Welcome Bay.

Fire emergency services responded to a house fire in Welcome Bay after receiving a call about 3.35pm.

Fire and Emergency Northern Communications Centre shift manager Joshua Pennefather said a fire in a chimney flue was extinguished prior to fire trucks arriving.

“Two fire trucks attended – one from Greerton and one from Tauranga,” Pennefather said.

“These sorts of fires are generally because chimney flues have not been cleaned. They get dirty or birds nest in them.”

He said Fire and Emergency New Zealand has some simple steps to keep people safe from fire as the temperature drops.

“Make sure your chimney and flues have been cleaned before you light them up for the first time of the year,” Pennefather said.

“Every year, get your chimney swept and cleaned before the first fire of the season.”