A stark warning has been issued to parents by fire chiefs over flammable Halloween costumes that can catch fire in seconds.
Many popular costumes available on the high street including pumpkins, witch outfits and princess dresses are classed as toys, meaning they’re not subject to the same fire safety checks as every day clothing, meaning they can go up in flames in a matter of seconds.
Fire chiefs in the region have urged parents to take extra care to keep their family safe, and stay away from open flames to prevent any accidents.
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The warning over flammable costumes still comes eight years after Strictly host Claudia Winkleman’s daughter Matilda suffered burns when her Halloween costume caught light in 2014.
Station Manager Jonathan Ramanayake, of the Prevention and Education Department at the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "For many families, Halloween is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, with an opportunity to make memories that will last a life time.
"We don't want to put a downer on those plans but we do want to make sure that children and adults alike can enjoy it as safely as possible.
"The big tip we have is to use LED candles wherever possible. Naked flames can be dangerous at the best of times but they can be a real hazard in the excitement of Halloween.
"Halloween costumes do undergo fire safety tests and we work with retailers to ensure they're as safe as possible. Labelling is also clearer than ever before.
“But at the end of the day, many costumes are actually classed as toys and so do not have to meet the same fire safety requirements as clothing.
"The materials can be flammable and there have been examples across the country of children being severely burned when costumes have caught fire.
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"We are not suggesting children can’t wear a costume, but just avoid exposing them to a flame and use electric candles wherever possible to safeguard your family.
"If you're trick or treating in the dark, then please also make sure you stay on footpaths and remain highly visible to motorists travelling through the area."
He added that avoiding naked flames also reduces the risk of other fires starting, and not just clothing could catch light.
Parents are advised that if the worst was to happen and a costume catches fire, a child should ‘Stop, Drop and Roll, until the flames are out.
The warning from the fire service has come as part of its wider Darker Nights campaign, aiming to discourage young people not to start fires or play with fireworks, to avoid putting themselves at risk of life changing injuries.
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