COOKING, candles and electrical equipment are all top of the Christmas danger list as Cleveland Fire Brigade warn people to take extra care during the festivities.
Over the last three years there have been 52 accidental house fires between December 1 and January 3 – 17 in Redcar and Cleveland, 14 in Middlesbrough, 13 in Stockton and eight in Hartlepool.
Out of these, 16 were down to electrical equipment, 14 to candles or radiated heat and 11 to cooking.
Phil Lancaster, director of community protection at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “We want people to enjoy all the festivities of Christmas time but we are also urging them to take extra care at a time of year when there are increased dangers around the home.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here