By Jennie Buzaglo

FIRE service chiefs are urging people to stay safe this Halloween due to risks associated with costumes.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning to parents ahead of festivities.

Each year on Halloween, it sees many incidents where children and adults are injured because candles or fireworks have set fire to their costumes and hair.

Plastic capes and bin liners are often used as costumes; however, they pose a significant risk and are prone to catching fire easily.

Dressing up costumes are currently classed as toys, rather than clothes, and are therefore not covered by the same safety regulations.

Prevention Delivery manager Ian Hopkins said: “We don’t want to stop people enjoying Halloween, but we do want them to celebrate safely. There is nothing more terrifying than having a fire at home or seeing your clothes catch fire.”

To reduce risks over the next few weeks, the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has provided top tips that will help you stay safe this Halloween:

• Make sure you check the labels on your costumes – those attached to the product should show a CE Mark, which means it meets the European flammability resistant requirements for toys.

• Rather than using candles or tea lights in pumpkins, it is much better to use battery powered candles – these are cheap, they don’t blow and are much safer

• When using candles, make sure they are securely placed in a correct holder somewhere they are not likely to be knocked over. Keep them away from curtains, cushions and draughts and make sure they are extinguished when you go to bed.

• Buy from a trustworthy retailer– cheap or imported costumes may not meet UK safety standards and could potentially carry fake safety labelling.

• Layer up and wear clothes under dressing up costumes to give a layer of protection between the costume and your skin. This can help protect the skin in the event of a fire incident.

• Don’t let your child go near any ignition sources – in the event that their clothing does catch fire, teach them how to STOP, Drop and ROLL.

The fire service is also advising people to plan ahead for Bonfire Night by being aware of the Fireworks Code. For more information, visit the website www.dwfire.org.uk/fireworks