FIRE crews in North Yorkshire are warning homeowners to stay safe over the festive season.

Statistics show that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in a house fire during the Christmas period.

In the run-up to Christmas, the service was kept busy by a spate of house fires caused by Christmas lights and decorations.

With appropriate care and attention, decorations and lights are safe to use, but in the past couple of weeks, crews attended five house fires caused by Christmas lights or candles.

In one incident, a family of four was rescued from their home in Scarborough after a fire caused by Christmas tree lights.

Station manager Carl Boasman said: "The main cause of these recent fires has been candles left unattended, which have set fire to decorations. A number of fires have been caused by Christmas tree lights, which have been left on for long periods, very often overnight.

"Thankfully, no one has been seriously injured by these fires as early warning was given by smoke alarms."

Sadly, statistics show that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in an accidental home fire over the Christmas period than at any other time of the year.

Mr Boasman said: "We want people to have a safe Christmas and New Year period. The Fire and Rescue Service offers a free home fire safety check, where staff will fit smoke alarms and give advice on fire safety. If you have been putting it off this year, make it your New Year's resolution to get in touch with us."