Suffolk Fire urges people to stay safe this Halloween
The service has highlighted the need to make sure costumes have been safety tested.
Last updated 2nd Nov 2020
While many of us don't think too much into the fancy dress costumes we buy, a lot of them are classed as toys and are actually flammable.
Considering Halloween is usually paired with pumpkins and candles, a fire-risk outfit isn't the best addition.
It's simple to make sure the costumes we buy are safe though, as Community Manager for Prevention at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Julie Richer, explained: "There have been issues in the past regarding costumes catching fire.
"If you've purchased a Halloween costume it must show the CE mark on the label, this will indicate that the item has been tested for safety before being sold. Homemade costumes may also ignite easily, so keep away from candles
"If clothing catches fire remember to stop, drop and roll. Stop where you are, drop to the ground and lay flat, roll over and over and back and forth until the flames are out. Make sure you cover your eyes and mouth as you do so and then get help."
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is also encouraging people to find a different approach to lighting up their pumpkins, by swapping traditional candles with LED ones instead, which they say is safer and still effective.
If people do continue to use normal candles they should never leave them unattended or near children, avoid brushing past them in fancy dress, and make sure they are properly extinguished when finished.
You can find more safety advice on the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service's website.