FIREFIGHTERS are warning Fylde folk about the extra dangers of fire during the festive season.

Lancashire's chief fire officer Gordon Russel said: "Christmas is here again and sadly we always seem to have fire tragedies at this time of year.

"At Christmas, risks are higher - homes have more people in them, there is a lot of cooking, eating and drinking going on, all of which make fire the last thought on our minds.

"At the same time traditional festive trappings such as decorations, wrapping paper, candles, Christmas trees and fairy lights are all potential fire hazards."

Lancashire County Fire Brigade wants people to have a good time, but take the following to heart:

Fit a smoke alarm, keep lighters and matches out of children's reach.

Give smokers plenty of ashtrays and check electric blankets are safe.

Never leave chip pans unattended as chip pan fires are often fatal.

Before going to bed, make sure all ashtrays have been emptied safely, switch off and unplug all electrical appliances, close all doors and switch off all heating appliances.

Mr Russel added: "I hope that by being more aware of fire and by following these simple rules, the community on the Fylde and the rest of Lancashire will have a Christmas that is safe from fire."

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