Firefighters' alert over festive risks

FIREFIGHTERS have urged householders to care extra precautions over the next few weeks after revealing that seasonal accidents had claimed at least one life in South Yorkshire over the last seven years.

Ten people have been killed and more than 100 injured following accidental December house fires since 2003 with cooking, candles, fairy lights and dry Christmas trees all presenting particular fire hazards.

Steve Makepeace, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's head of community safety said residents were more at risk from fire at Christmas than at any other time of the year.

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He added: "The risk of fire in the home is a year round issue, but people are particularly vulnerable at Christmas for reasons ranging from unsafe electrical decorations and unattended candles, to cooking while under the influence of alcohol."

Mr Makepeace said fire service staff will be meeting residents, commuters and Christmas shoppers across the county throughout December to offer safety advice for the festive period, including advice around smoke alarms, safe cooking and driving and seasonal electrical hazards.