OUR Fire Service is asking Teignbridge people celebrating Halloween this year to take one simple step to make themselves safer from the risk of fire, by encouraging everyone to buy battery-powered tea lights as a safe and effective alternative to traditional candles.

Around one in eight dwelling fires start with naked flames, such as matches, candles and cigarettes.

Ros Clarke, group manager for fire prevention for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: ‘Nearly half of fatal fires in the South West involved naked flames, echoing just how dangerous they really can be.

‘The fires we attend are often started by simple accidents with candles, matches and lighters. These fires spread quickly so our advice is to take simple steps to stop them from happening to you in the first place.’

‘By buying battery-powered tea lights for your Halloween decorations this year, you are reducing your risk of fire not only this year, but also in the future.’

‘If you’re dressing up this Halloween, we are asking you to remember that fancy dress can be highly flammable (as shown on our video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoIKlWL77PY – yet another reason to avoid real candles.

‘And remember, when it comes to road safety – don’t give drivers a fright, make sure you’re easily seen, and cross roads carefully.’

Please send us some pictures of your Halloween fright night fun to [email protected] and we’ll use some of them in the paper and online too