Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service are reminding residents of the fire risks associated with Halloween which falls this weekend (Sunday 31 October).

A statement issued on their website read: "We are urging people to be extra cautious when buying children's fancy dress costumes to reduce fires caused by naked flames.

"Glowing jack-o-lanterns and candles are synonymous with Halloween, but with them come some serious fire hazards, especially with flammable fancy dress costumes.

"We want to advise parents to have caution when buying fancy dress outfits this year and to ensure that they comply with fire safety regulations. Cheap costumes could put children at risk of life-changing injuries if caught alight.

"Please ensure that children wearing costumes are kept well away from naked flames, particularly tea lights inside pumpkins. We would advise that people used electric tea lights as a safe alternative."

The service has also released a video which shows just how fast a costume can go up in flames when exposed to a naked flame. This can be viewed at the top of the page.

In the event of a costume setting alight, people are advised to ensure they stay calm, act quickly and remember 'STOP, DROP and ROLL':

• If on fire, STOP the child from moving as this creates air and increases

the fire.

• Heat rises so DROP the child to the floor and lay them down flat to

prevent flames from reaching their face.

• Next, ROLL the child over and over, and back and forth until the

flames are out.

The emergency services advise anyone who suffers a burn to cool it under a cold running tap for 20 minutes, and in severe cases to call 999. They also suggest covering the wound with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth.