Dear Sun Spots: As you have been able to help me before perhaps you can again. I would like any information available in regards to a product sold some years back by local hardware stores and stove shops.

The name of the product was “ChimFex.” It was a chimney fire suppressant made by a company called Standard Fusee Corp., Easton, MD 21601.

Perhaps someone, a fireman or someone in that line of work would know of something similar available. Thank you very much. – G.M., No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with Donna from Fireside Stove Shop at 1220 Center St. in Auburn who said they used to sell this, but believes the factory that used to manufacture ChimFex burned down. We found the same information on multiple Web sites. It hasn’t been replaced with a similar product.

Battalion Chief Bruce McKay of the Lewiston Fire Department said that they have not used the ChimFex product to extinguish chimney fires. He points out that the best method to prevent chimney fires is to burn seasoned hardwood and have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Thanks to McKay for providing us with the following fire safety steps from the United States Fire Administration.

• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.

• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces.

• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.

• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise, you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.

• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.

• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.

• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.

• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.

• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended.

• Extinguish the fire in the fireplace before going to bed or leaving the house.

• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.

Dear Sun Spots: The Buckfield Historical Society is looking for Nezinscot Wave yearbooks from Buckfield High School. We hope to be able to help identify some of our photos by having these. If there were any printed before 1942 we do not have any of those. That is the first one we have. Others in our possession are 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62 and 63. We will appreciate any help with this project anyone can give us. I may be reached at 207-336-2864 or at 46 Bean Road, Buckfield, ME 04220. – Marjorie, Buckfield.

Dear Sun Spots: Enjoy your column. I’ve been looking for Weight Watchers cereal and can’t find it anymore. Hannaford used to have it, and so did Shaw’s. Thanks. No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: According to a corporate affairs representative from Weight Watchers International, the Weight Watchers cereal has been discontinued. Visit www.weightwatchers.com/sensiblefoods to learn more about their other products and receive coupons.

Dear Sun Spots: If you can help me on this I’ll be very grateful. I went to Holy Family School through eight years, and the sisters used to put on plays and musicals. There is a French song that I can’t remember all the words. I think the name is “Les Flots Bergere.” I remember the first two lines: “Petits enfant, prenez garde aux flot bleu (Little children, be careful of the blue waters), qui font semblant de se plaire a vos yeux (that seem to pretend to be pleasing to your eyes).” I’m wondering if someone would remember. Thank you. – Jean, South Paris.

Answer: Sun Spots was unable to find the song you are referring to and hope one of our readers will remember the words for you.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link