AS people decorate their homes for Christmas, firefighters have warned about the increased risks during the festive season.

Every year around 700 people die in house fires and another 10,000 are injured, according to Government statistics. One out of ten of these fires occurs in December.

Festive candles and parties with a dangerous mix of smoking and alcohol increase the risk of a fire.

Ten per cent of those who die in fires are under the influence of alcohol and 43 per cent of all fires occur between 6pm and midnight.

Sub Officer John Stephenson, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said: "Each year over 200 people die and over 3000 are injured by fire caused by candles, matches and lighters.

"Two thirds of casualties are in their own homes when this happens. Prevent this happening to you."

The fire brigade have issued the following warnings:

l Never smoke in bed

l Install a fire alarm on every floor level in the house, check them once a month and change the battery once a year

l Keep lit candles away from curtains and anything else that will ignite, never leave them unattended and make sure they are extinguished before going to bed

l Place candles in sturdy containers that cannot fall over easily

l Establish an escape route from each room in your house for use in an emergency

Curtains can be treated with a fire retardant spray and a range of fire resistant fabrics are also available.

Martin Simon, of Direct Fabrics, a curtain store, said: "A wide variety of fire retardant curtain fabrics are now available and it is also possible to purchase a spray to do-it-yourself.