South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
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Fire service safety advice ahead of Diwali

The fire service is calling on people in South Yorkshire to take extra care ahead of one of the most important periods in the religious calendar.

Firefighters are reminding people celebrating the Diwali festival (Wednesday 18 October) to take extra care with candles and cooking- both common causes of house fires.

Diwali is a bright and vibrant time with many families coming together to celebrate. But the increased use of candles, divas, tealights, fireworks and cooking of special meals can bring additional dangers.

By taking a few simple precautions, families can stay safe during the celebrations.

  • Always place divas/diyas, tea lights and candles on heat-resistant surfaces and well away from curtains and decorations.
  • Children and pets should be supervised at all times near flames.
  • Don’t let yourself get distracted – never leave cooking unattended.
  • If a pan with oil in it catches fire, don’t move it and don’t throw water over it. Get out of the kitchen, close the door behind you and call 999.
  • Ensure that all fireworks meet British safety standards, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

Area Manager Steve Helps said: “We recognise this is a really important time for many people in South Yorkshire, but want to make sure people observe it safely. In particular, people should take extra care with candles, which we know are responsible for some of the most severe house fires we attend. Basic precautions like keeping candles away from flammable materials will help you and your loved ones to celebrate safely.”

This content was last updated on October 13th, 2017