The fire, in Main Street, is believed to have started in the chimney at around 5pm and spread to the property's thatched roof. Although the owner escaped unharmed, the blaze has caused extensive damage to the building.

The blaze was tackled by fire crews from Winslow who managed to contain it.

Officer in charge, Station Manager Dave Norris, based at Winslow, said: "The crews worked very hard to try to save the building, but once the fire had spread to the thatch it was always going to be very difficult to stop. The good news is that the owner is safe."

Firefighters from Buckingham carried out a safety check on the property about two months ago and fitted smoke alarms.

Station Manager Norris said: "It was part of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's ongoing community safety work to help make people safer both from the risk of fire and from the risk of death or injury from a fire.

"We believe these smoke alarms contributed to the owner finding out about the fire and getting out safely.

"Although they didn't save his home, they have helped prevent something that is very unfortunate from turning into a tragedy."

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the fire at 5.12pm. Crews from Buckingham, Winslow, Bletchley, Aylesbury, Waddesdon, Brill and Bicester attended, along with back-up from High Wycombe and Beaconsfield.

Relief crews took over during the night, and reinspections are being carried out on Wednesday morning.

Further chimney fires in Clifton Reynes and Great Kingshill completed a miserable night for homeowners.

For free advice on steps you can take to avoid chimney or thatch fires, ring Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's community safety hotline on 01296 744477 or email cs@bucksfire.gov.uk.