Man stuck 'Santa style' in ex-wife's chimney

Californian firefighters have had to dismantle a chimney in their efforts to free a man who became stuck trying to gain entry in to what is believed to be his ex-wife's house.

Lieutenant Mark Kiernan of the Orange County Sheriff's Department described the man's predicament as being like "Santa Claus".

According to CBS Los Angeles, it took 25 firefighters just under two hours to free him from the Lake Forest home's chimney before taking him to hospital with unspecified injuries.

"He started screaming and yelling," Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve Concialdi said.

"So [The family] inside called 911."

It is unclear why the man was attempting to enter the house, but sheriff department's officials say he has not broken any laws and will not be charged.

Sources: CBS Los Angeles, KTLA

Author: James Ward, Approving editor: Jack Hawke