Cornwall Fire Rescue and Community Safety Service are asking people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure their loved ones are protected from fire.

Paula Wellings, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Casualty Reduction Manager, said: ’Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care. To ensure you have the merriest of Christmases, keep fire safety at the top of your list. Make sure candles are in suitable holders and away from curtains, never leave cooking unattended and, of course, test your smoke alarms.

’The colder weather brings its own menaces too.  Take care when using portable heaters or open fires to keep warm.’