It has also issued the following safety advice for households with chimneys:
Have your chimney swept at least once a year, or more frequently if you burn wood
Do not stack fires too high and remember to let them burn down well before you go to bed
Use a fire or spark guard
Do not place objects on or over the mantle-piece which may cause you to stand too close to the fire to reach or use them
Inspect your chimney regularly - particularly in the roof space - to ensure that it is sound and that sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks