Safety council issues fire warning

Forty three people have died this year in fire related tragedies and the National Safety Council have reminded people to be careful to avert fires in the home this Christmas.

This time of year is always a high-risk period for house fires due to the presence of Christmas trees and candles in many homes.

The Safety Council has outlined a simple guide to prevent the death toll rising any higher.

They have said that all Christmas tree lights should be unplugged each night, that candles should not be left near Christmas cards or curtains and that they should be extinguished each night.

Open fires should be protected with a fire-guard, cigarettes should be put out and ash trays not over filled.

Always check your fire alarm is working and test it for batteries.