Festive warning over fake firefighters collecting money

The Brussels fire department has issued an end-of-year warning that imposters are calling at people's doors, pretending to be firefighters to collect donations.

In the run-up to Christmas it is common for rubbish collectors and postal workers to go from door-to-door asking for a tip. In some parts of Belgium, volunteer firefighters also do the rounds - but this is never the case in the capital.

"We never go door to door," said Brussels fire brigade spokesman Walter Derieuw. "In some rural areas, firefighters are volunteers and they sometimes organise fundraising events, but not in big cities."

The Brussels fire department does produce a fundraising calendar each year for charities helping children recover from serious burns injuries - it's called Hall of Flame - but it is only sold in shops, Derieuw added.