Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is stepping up its festive fire warning campaign.
Firefighters and community safety officers in Carlisle and Kendal will be using a series of local events to drive home the message that householders need to take extra care over Christmas and New Year.
Lives are often put at risk around this time every year as people get caught up in the festive celebrations. Batteries are often taken out of smoke alarms to power Christmas presents while burning candles and open fires are frequently left unattended.
In Carlisle, fire crews will be spreading their precautionary message and handing out festive treats to the first 20 people who sign up for a free home safety visit at the following events:
* Age Concern Carol Concert at Carlisle Cathedral on Thursday 6 December, from 11:00am to 12:00noon;
* Fire & Rescue Service roadshow in Carlisle city centre on Saturday 8 December, during the morning and afternoon;
* Christmas Carol Parade through Carlisle city centre on Thursday 13 December, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm;
* Fire & Rescue Service roadshow in Carlisle city centre on Saturday 15 December, during the morning and afternoon;
Kendal firefighters will be getting in on the action through a series of winter roadshows at supermarkets across the town.
Crews will be handing out safety advice and demonstrating the devastating consequences of a Christmas tree fire with a special DVD and a collection of burnt-out sockets and electrical leads at:
* Booths on Friday 7 December, from 9:30am to 12:30pm;
* Morrisons on Wednesday 12 December, from 9:30am to 12:30pm;
* Marks & Spencer on Thursday 13t December, from 9.30am - 12.30pm.
Festive treats will again be be available to people who sign up early for a free home safety visit.
In addition to their supermarket safety sessions, Kendal crews have linked up with local coal merchants who are distributing Fire and Rescue Service safety leaflets to their customers, reminding them to have their chimneys swept regularly.
Customers can use the leaflet to enter a free prize draw with the chance to win a luxury Christmas hamper.
Cumbrian firefighters and community safety officers can visit your home to check for any fire risks and install free working smoke detectors where required on each level of your home. Call 0800-358-4777 to request a visit.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337