These images from a firefighter's rescue operation show them saving two soot-covered owlets that were found trapped in the same chimney just half an hour apart.

The action took place at a detached house in St. Thomas am Zeiselberg, Austria, on the evening of 12th May.

The family living there heard strange noises coming from their chimney and called the local fire brigade, suspecting a bird had got stuck.

Members of the FF St. Thomas am Zeiselberg arrived at the scene and after a careful inspection, they found a weak and confused young owl trapped in the flue.

They carefully pulled it out and handed it over to the family, who took it to the vet for a check-up.

Images from the rescue show the poor bird seemingly exhausted and covered in thick soot as it is held by one firefighter.

Just 30 minutes later, the family called again to report that another owl was making noise in the chimney.

The firefighters returned and rescued a second owl from the exact same spot.

Luckily, both owls were checked by a vet and are doing well, the fire brigade confirmed.

They are now being cared for in advance of being released back into the wild.

(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)