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flue accessories

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) has recorded a high number of fires damaging flue accessories in the month of December.

There were 140 chimney fires throughout 2010, representing a fall of 19 per cent from 2009, but the number of chimney fires in December rose to 27. This displays an increase from 2009's figure of 24.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: "January, February and March are traditionally three of the busiest months for chimney fires. It's really important to have your chimney swept regularly and to be extra careful when burning wood."

Mr Ridgley added that all homeowners should have working smoke alarms in their properties and focus on building smaller, hotter fires that generate less smoke.

Meanwhile, chimney expert Charlie Whitaker told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner that chimneys filled with smoke can become "choked off".

Mr Whitaker also advised that the absence of a chimney cap can increase soot production.