[18 December 2007]

Candle safety

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care with candles during the festive period. Every Christmas people are injured by fire, this can be avoided by following some simple fire safety advice.

Candles are popular at this time of year, they mark special occasions but they need to be treated carefully to avoid fire. Candles should be fully extinguished before you go to sleep or go out and should never be left unattended. They should be extinguished before they burn into their holder and they always need to be put out before attempting to move them. Risk of fire or injury is much higher if a burning candle is moved while it is lit.

Always place candles away from curtains, furniture and drapes and always out of draughts. They should be kept out of reach of children and pets, on a heat resistant surface. Night-lights and tea lights can melt plastic surfaces such as the top of a television or the side of a bathtub.

Gas and paraffin lamps can be very dangerous too. it is important that they are working properly and used in a well-ventilated area. To create more subdued lighting use lower wattage bulbs, do not be tempted to cover lights with fabric. Curtains and other fabrics can burn easily so it is important to make sure that lights, bulbs and candles are not placed too near to them.

Smoke alarms can save lives, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service can offer free smoke alarms and essential fire safety advice for you and your family this Christmas. For more information please contact the Community Safety Team on 0800 1777069.