Lancashire's Chief Fire Officer, Gordon Russel, is reminding people in Lancashire of the need to take extra care in the festive season.

"Remember that at Christmas risks are higher! Traditional festive trappings such as decorations, wrapping paper, candles, Christmas trees and fairy lights are all potential fire hazards. Please take the following to heart:

Fit a smoke alarm; check existing alarms and batteries; keep matches and lighters out of reach of children; chip pan fires are killers; provide plenty of ashtrays if there are smokers in the home; make sure electric blankets are safe. Last thing at night ensure all heating appliances are switched off; make sure all ashtrays have been emptied safely; switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on close all doors;

Don't smoke in bed and have a fire plan for your family:

Make sure everyone knows what to do if there is a fire at home; get everyone out of the house; close the door of the room where the fire is and call the Fire Brigade".

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