Fire service wishes a happy and safe Diwali

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue issues advice to help people enjoy the Festival of Lights in safety. 

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is wishing members of the area's Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities a happy and safe Diwali, with advice to help anyone celebrating the Festival of Lights prevent fire.

One of the most important features on the Hindu calendar, Diwali sees families gather to mark the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. This year's festival starts tomorrow (Tuesday, November 13) and runs for five days, with many residents celebrating by decorating their homes with lamps and candles.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, Director of Community Safety at Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, said: "We want everyone marking Diwali to enjoy their celebrations, stay safe and minimise the risk of fire. Taking some simple steps will help ensure the festival is remembered for all the right reasons.

"The advice is to always be careful when using candles or Diya lamps, making sure they are kept in a safe and secure holder, with all tea-light candles placed on a heat-resistant surface. Keep them out of the reach of young children and away from soft furnishings, curtains or anything that can catch fire.

"They should never be left unattended and special care should be taken with home-made candles and Diyas. It's important to remember that long hair and clothing - especially saris, chunris, chunis and dupattas - are also very flammable."

Like many celebrations, Diwali often sees people cook special meals for their family and friends, and the fire service wants residents to stay safe in the kitchen. People are urged never to leave pots and pans unattended and to make sure their home has at least one working smoke alarm.

ACO Ramsay added: "If you don't have a smoke alarm please use this festival as the ideal opportunity to get one. This will give you the early warning required to get out of the property safely.

"The fire service has no better ally than the community and we want everyone to join the fight against fire. If you or someone you know - perhaps an elderly or vulnerable friend, relative or neighbour - could benefit from some free fire safety advice, then please get in touch.

"Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is offering free Home Fire Safety Visits to everyone in the area. We need active citizens who will help us protect their communities from fire."

For a free Home Fire Safety Visit, all you have to do is call the Home Fire Safety Hotline on 0800 0731 999, or text "check" to 61611. You can also get in touch by calling your local community fire station and more information is available on the Strathclyde Fire & Rescue website, at www.strathclydefire.org.