An incorrectly installed flue was among the problems that led to a blaze in Loughborough, caused by a bodged DIY job, it has been revealed.
Paul Taylor was fined by Loughborough Magistrates Court after admitting five breaches to building regulations when installing a wood burning device and flue appliances at his bungalow.
Charnwood Borough Council's David Slater explained: "Not only did this man lose his home, he has also had to pay out a lot of money in fines because he didn't carry out the work properly or with the necessary permissions.
"It is absolutely essential, from a public safety point of view, that people use experts to carry out such work."
Failure to properly maintain chimneys may have been the cause of a recent spate of blazes in Wiltshire.
The Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has been called to seven incidents since the start of August, and is warning homeowners to ensure that their chimneys are properly maintained.