Stay safe from fire in Suffolk this Christmas
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to avoid accidental fires
Residents in Suffolk are being asked to take steps to prevent fires over the Christmas period.
The county's fire service dealt with five collisions, two chimney fires, one wood burner fire, and four house fires over Christmas in 2019.
Nationally there was an increase in incidents by 12%.
With the pandemic impacting everyone's year, many people decided to purchase and put up Christmas trees earlier than normal.
While it's a move supported by Julie Richer, Community Manager for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, she highlighted the potential danger that might cause with real trees
She said: "If it hasn't got roots that tree is going to dry out quite quickly, which heightens the fire risk. So, if you're draping it with tree lights, you've got to make sure they are safe.
"If you're lighting candles, keep them well-away from the tree or tinsel, and make sure they're in suitable holders because the tealight holders they come with are not adequate."
Residents can make sure their fairy lights are safe by regularly replacing them and checking they hold the CE mark, which means they've been checked for fire safety.
Julie continued: "When you go out don't leave them on, as you won't be there to be aware if something goes wrong, quite often fires occur when people are not at home."
People should also avoid "daisy chaining" their extension leads, which is joining one to another, as it can also pose a fire risk.
There's no denying that people tend to enjoy a glass of wine or bucks fizz as they celebrate Christmas, but it's important to know when to avoid it.
Julie explained cooking and alcohol shouldn't be mixed: "Unless you're putting it alcohol into the gravy or something like that, people shouldn't cook and drink alcohol. "
She also appealed to residents not to get behind the wheel if they have drunk alcohol recently or the previous night.