THE fire service is launching a campaign to educate football fans on safety in time for the World Cup.

Cleveland Fire Brigade are adding fire prevention messages to beer mats targeting people watching the World Cup in bars and pubs.

The campaign warns people of the dangers of drinking and cooking and encourages people to take extra care with BBQ’s.

It comes after statistics revealed 15% of all accidental house fires in Cleveland were a result of cooking and 33% of all injuries sustained at an accidental house fire were also cooking related.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Hayton said: “The World Cup is a great chance for people to get together to watch the games in safety. All we are asking is just be careful and make sure a fire is not an added and unwanted fixture.

“Don’t drink and cook – it’s a recipe for disaster. If you want a snack after a night out, make something cold from the fridge or get a takeaway. That way you’re not tempted to turn the cooker on when you get home.

“Our beer mats and posters are a simple and quick reminder of what you need to do to stay safe and enjoy the football.

"The only kit we want people to see in the World Cup is those of the teams taking part and not those worn by our firefighters”.

For more information on fire safety visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/yoursafety