CHRISTMAS is a time of year when the risk of fires in the home – in particular kitchen fires – can increase.

Kitchen fires are common at any time of year, but particularly at Christmas when large numbers of people are in the home and those cooking can easily become distracted.

During the festive season, homes can be full with family and friends. When this is combined with the excitement of Christmas, the potential for an increased intake in alcohol and the general stress of ensuring the occasion proceeds as planned, it all too easy to forget about basic fire-prevention advice.

A house fire can be devastating at any time of the year, but particularly so at Christmas, so we are urging people to remember fire prevention advice as they enjoy themselves.

Just spending a couple of seconds to think about fire safety in the home can make all the difference. Make sure you’re got a working smoke alarm, be careful with candles and Christmas decorations, and remember to turn the oven off when you’ve finished cooking.

And, if you know of family members who do not have smoke alarms, consider buying them one as a Christmas present. This is a gift that could save their life if they were to have a fire in their home.

To find out more Christmas safety advice, log onto www.cambsfire.gov.uk

On behalf of everyone at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service I would like to wish you a very happy, and most importantly safe, Christmas and New Year.

GRAHAM STAGG

Chief Fire Officer

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service

Huntingdon