Burnham-On-Sea residents have been warned to take extra care with fire safety over the Christmas period.
A new video – embedded here – has been released by Devon & Somerset Fire Service to demonstrate how quickly a small fire in a Christmas tree can spread to a whole room in just one minute.
“Fire safety is important at any time of the year, but with the extra distractions of Christmas it’s especially important to be vigilant,” said fire spokesman Paul Slavin.
“Dry Christmas trees, colourful decorations and wrapped presents are all extra fuel for a potential fire into your home. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to accidental fires in the home, so take extra care this season to ensure that your families, loved ones and neighbours are all protected from the extra Christmas fire risks.”
“Most people vastly underestimate the deadly strength of toxic smoke and overestimate how long they would have to escape should a fire break out. The reality is that just two to three breaths of smoke in a fire can render a person unconscious.”
“Christmas should be a time for celebration, rather than tragedy, and for this reason Devon & Somerset Fire Service are urging people to be fire aware.”
The service urges that festive decorations and greeting cards are kept away from heaters, lights, fireplaces and candles. Also, check that smoke alarms are working. Never leave festive cooking unattended and always avoid cooking whilst drunk. Never leave candles unattended and ensure you switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed, or leave the house.
