FIREFIGHTERS rushed to save the treasures of Durham Cathedral after getting a call that it was on fire.
A passer-by spotted smoke wafting around the ancient building that forms part of a World Heritage Site, early on Sunday.
But firefighters discovered the smoke came from the chimney of the porter's lodge.
A cathedral spokesman said: "There was no fire. It was just a false alarm with good intent. It happens quite regularly not just with smoke but with mist.
"If it is a misty day it comes along the western towers and people think that it's smoke and the cathedral is on fire.''
In 1995 firefighters tackled a blaze that broke out in plastic sheeting put up around scaffolding during external restoration work to the cathedral, managing to stop it spreading inside the building.
The south transept roof of York Minster was destroyed by fire after it was struck by lightning in 1984.
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