It seems that Christmas has got home insurance providers on high alert, first they warn us against burglars, then its frozen and burst water pipes and now our homes are at greater risk from fire during the Christmas period.

The warning has come from the Insurance provider direct line, as last year they received 61 percent more claims in December than in an average summer month. "With over 45,000 accidental house fires every year causing millions of pounds worth of damage coupled with the risk of death and injury, it is essential that all householders work to minimise fire risks in the home," said Andrew Lowe, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance.

Candles, unattended cookers, faulty Christmas lights and smoking indoors are among the biggest fire risks for this time of year, the provider warned.

So it seems that fire is another thing we have to be vigilant against to help avoid a bad Christmas.