Firefighters are warning South Yorkshire’s Muslim communities to stay safe this Eid-ul-Fitr, with the risk of fire traditionally spiking during the festival period.

The plea comes from fire safety bosses who say the risk of fire can increase during Eid, as candles, tea lights, fireworks and cooking celebratory meals form a major part of the festival celebrations.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) is also encouraging anyone celebrating Eid to take advantage of a free home safety check so that fire related dangers in the home can be identified and smoke alarms fitted if required.

Steve Makepeace, Head of Community Safety for SYFR, said: “Eid is a wonderful time of celebration for Muslims from across South Yorkshire. But we want to make our communities aware of any fire dangers in the home so the festivities aren’t spoilt by any accidental fires and injuries.

“Eid is by no means the only festival where the risk of fire potentially increases, with cooking, lights and candles representing a risk at other times of the year, including Christmas. But, just by taking a few simple precautions these risks can be greatly reduced. 

“We’re also urging the celebrating communities to ensure that they have a working smoke alarm on each level of the home, so that if a fire does occur, they are alerted and can get themselves and their family out, and away from danger, as quickly as possible.”

Eid-ul-fitr is a Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and this year falls on September 10. To stay safe during Eid, the public is being urged to:

Make sure candles and cigarettes are put out properly

-          Take extra care with long hair and clothing when cooking

-          Never leave cooking unattended

-          Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool and never throw water over the pan.

To arrange a free Home Safety Check, or for general fire safety advice, call South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue on 0114 253 2314 or text FREE to 87023.

ENDS                                                                                                                               

For more information contact Corporate Communications on 0114 253 2353 or visit www.syfire.gov.uk.