Staying safe this Christmas

With Christmas only round the corner, we are urging people to take extra care during the festive period.

Firefighters from Retford and Tuxford Fire Station recently attended a house fire that was caused by Christmas decorations. 

Decorative bunting and Christmas stockings were hung in close proximity to a log burner, which was lit at the time. The heat had radiated, causing the fire and aiding it to rapidly spread. Luckily the residents had working smoke alarms in their property which alerted them to the fire and enabled them to get out and call 999. 

Watch Manager Lloyd said: "Thankfully the residents escaped this fire unharmed, however there could have been a much worse outcome. 

"This incident shows the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home - we advise that you have one on every floor of your property, that these are tested regularly, and replaced every ten years. 

"We want our communities to stay safe this Christmas, so please follow our safety advice, however, we are here for you, and your families, in an emergency."

Our top Christmas safety tips:

• Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters
• Never place candles near your Christmas tree or materials that can catch light easily
• Never overload electrical sockets
• Switch off all appliances when they are not being used, and before going to bed - including Christmas lights! 
• Make sure that all electrical products are purchased by a reputable retailer and have a British or European safety mark

You can read more about winter safety and electrical safety on our website. 

We hope you have a lovely Christmas!