Fire service warns of Halloween candle dangers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 06:22 · Archive

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service warns that real candles in carved pumpkins cause preventable fires.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe this Halloween by taking precautions with candles, costumes and outdoor visibility.

Around one in eight fires attended by the service are started by naked flames such as candles and matches. The service warns that while a carved pumpkin with a real candle might look spooky, Halloween costumes can be highly flammable and may ignite surprisingly quickly if they come into contact with a candle, bonfire, fire pit or cooking appliance. Every year, preventable accidents happen because of these hazards and poor visibility after dark.

The service recommends using battery-powered LED tea lights instead of real candles, keeping pumpkins away from curtains, furniture and other flammable items, and never leaving lit candles unattended. Costumes should be kept away from naked flames and should not trail on the ground or past the wearer's hands. Protective layers should be worn for extra safety around cookers, barbecues and fire pits.

For trick-or-treaters, the service advises adding reflective strips or lights to costumes and carrying a torch to ensure drivers can see them. They should stick to pavements and well-lit routes, cross roads at safe locations and avoid stepping out between parked cars or on bends.

How it is being reported

• Somerset fire service warns Halloween candles cause preventable firesDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued Halloween safety advice on candles, costumes, pumpkins and trick-or-treating.Somerset County Gazette · 31 Oct, 05:00
• Somerset fire service issues warning over Halloween candle dangersDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has issued Halloween safety advice on candles, costumes, pumpkins and trick-or-treating.Bridgwater Mercury · 31 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service · Somerset · Devon

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