London Fire Brigade

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Have a safe Diwali

20 October 2008

The festival includes the use of candles, tea lights and oil lamps as well as firework displays and to avoid any accidents the Brigade hopes that people will enjoy the festival by remembering to follow fire safety advice.

"We wish everybody a safe and happy Diwali. It’s important that people take care during the festival, especially when using candles which each year cause a high number of fires that lead to injury and on occasion’s death,” Assistant Commissioner Steve Turek said.

London Fire Brigade has some simple fire safety advice for Diwali:

  • Make sure candles are secure in an appropriate holder and are kept out of reach of children this includes tea lights which should also be put onto a heat resistant surface.
  • Keep candles away from draughts and from anything that can catch fire that includes curtains or loose clothing for instance.
  • Special care should be taken with home made decorated candles and Diva lamps.
  • When buying fireworks ensure that they come from a reputable supplier and comply with the British Standard and always follow the instructions found on each firework and firework code.
  • If cooking during the festival do not leave cooking unattended.
  • If a fire does break out follow the simple rule to get everyone out and stay out and call the Fire Brigade (Dial 999). Never go back into the property to collect belongings.
  • If you don’t have a smoke alarm please use this festival as the ideal opportunity to buy one they are inexpensive and will give you the early warning required to get out of the property safely.