Port Glasgow teenager left with nerve damage for life urges us to ditch wax candles on Halloween
Karla Peacock was just four-years-old when she suffered third degree burns.
A Port Glasgow teenager who burned her scalp as a young child in an accident is warning of the dangers surrounding lighting wax candles at Halloween.
Karla Peacock was just four-years-old and says she was practising blowing out candles because she was excited about her upcoming fifth birthday.
The now 16-year-old is getting behind a campaign by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service which is encouraging people to ditch wax candles in favour of battery powered ones on Sunday.
Karla said: "It was early in the morning and I went to get a drink.
"I saw some candles and as a curious child I picked one up and it caught fire."
The student claims it was one of the worst things anyone could go through at that age.
She added: "I get panic attacks when I hear fire alarms and when I smell smoke.
"It was a traumatic experience to go through as a child and it has affected my family too."
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer (DACO) Alasdair Perry is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Prevention and Protection.
He said: “We want everyone to have a fun Halloween but we also want it to be safe.
"We’re urging people to swap tealight and other candles with a naked flame for a reusable flameless type instead as this simple step completely removes the risk of fire and the dangers it brings."
Alasdiar has some safety tips for people who find themselves in a bit of trouble.
He said: “If you do find yourself or someone else alight then act by remembering the phrase – Stop, Drop and Roll.
“Stop what you are doing, drop to the ground and roll around to extinguish the flame.
"Fire travels upwards and by taking this immediate action it’s possible you can reduce the severity of any injury and hopefully avoid flames reaching the upper body or face.”