FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to be wary of faulty Christmas lights over the festive season.
A dramatic video showing the effects faulty lights can have on a dry tree has been released by firefighters.
The video shows how a broken light can spark an inferno on a Christmas tree that could spread to the whole room in less than a minute.
In seconds, the video shows a living room enveloped with fire.
The London Fire Brigade warned: "Check your Christmas tree lights are in good condition and turn them off before you go to bed.
"Marke sure you have working smoke alarms."
A house fire, most likely sparked by faulty Christmas tree lights, envelopes a living room in a shocking 40 seconds. Check your Christmas tree lights are in good condition & turn them off before you go to bed. Make sure you have working smoke alarms pic.twitter.com/UxIxC80UtQ
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) December 4, 2017
Christmas safety tips:
- Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings.
- Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.
- Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on.
- Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed.
- Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here