Families warned of fire risks during Halloween celebrations
Battery-powered candles are advised, as is testing smoke alarms
As families across Dorset prepare for Halloween celebrations are being urged to take care around any candles.
Dorset's Fire and Rescue service says the fire risk is very real, especially around children's costumes.
Group Manager, Dave Adamson, told us candles must be on a stable and secure surface in a fire resistant holder, while out of reach of pets and children.
He warned us to "be careful with loose clothing and long hair".
Candles will often be used for decorative effect in homes and in seasonal pumpkins, but Dave has advised people to use battery-powered candles instead.
He said: "They're a lot safer and cheap to buy, they still give the same effect. If you're using decorative lights in your home, just ensure that your electric sockets are not overloaded and you switch them off at night."
Anyone using open-flame candles is told to check the manufacturers instructions on burn time and proper use, as well ensuring they're fully extinguished before we go to bed.
There's a higher risk of a fire if people are wearing costumes and they've got products in their hair down to the clothes they're wearing.
Children may be using bin liners or plastic capes for their outfits, which can pose a risk.
Dave said parents must check for the UK safety standard markings on costume packaging and recommended that children "later up".
"Make sure you've got clothing underneath your costume because that would act as a protective layer between the costume and your skin and keep your children away from any ignition sources," he said.
Should a costume catch fire, the advice is to "stop, drop and roll".
"Stop what you're doing. Drop to the ground and roll to to extinguish the fire and then get some medical assistance as soon as you can," Dave said.
He added that it's vital people test their smoke alarms at this time of year, to give them valuable time to leave a property should a fire occur.