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Flintshire residents given Christmas fire safety tips

NORTH Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding Flintshire residents to reduce the risk of fires over Christmas.

On average crews attend two fires within the home every day.

On Christmas Day and Boxing Day this rises to three fires each day, and during the New Year period it rises to four fires a day.

In December 2008, 40% of house fires started through cooking or cooking appliances, 33% were started by smoking materials and 10% were started by heaters.

“Please do not make this Christmas one you remember for all the wrong reasons,” said Gareth Griffiths of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“Fires in the home can be lethal – the threat posed must be taken seriously and we ask the public to work with us to reduce the likelihood of having a fire in their home.

“Why not call by elderly or vulnerable family, friends or neighbours to help them keep as safe as possible.

“The cold weather may also affect the battery in your smoke alarm – so remember to test alarms weekly.

For a free North Wales Fire and Rescue Service home safety check call the 24-hour hotline on 0800 169 1234, visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or email cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

Basic Christmas fire safety tips include never leaving cooking or burning candles unattended, not overloading electrical sockets and always turning off fairy lights before going out or going to bed.

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