Trick-or-treating this Halloween can quickly turn into a real-life horror story if parents fail to make one important check.
Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are warning that many fancy-dress costumes are highly flammable because they can be classed as toys.
This means they are less fire resistant than normal clothes.
The service is urging parents to look at the label of their child’s fancy dress costume to see if it has the CE or UKCA mark, which means they have been fire safety tested.
CDDFRS Community Safety Manager Kevin Bell said: “Don’t let your Halloween celebrations turn into a nightmare by failing to make one simple check when buying costumes for your children.
“Please take a second to check that any fancy dress outfit you buy has the UKCA or CE mark on the label which means that they have been fire safety tested.
“Remember, if your costume does catch fire, remember to stop, drop and roll.
“And if you’re planning on decorating with pumpkins, please use battery powered or LED candles instead of real candles to stop a fire from breaking out.
“We know Halloween is supposed to be scary, but don’t let tick-or-treating end in tragedy by acting now to ensure your loved ones are safe from fire.
“Stay safe and have a Happy Halloween!”
