Bedfordshire fire service warns Halloween costumes could pose serious risks
The service says some costumes do not undergo the same fire safety tests as ordinary clothing
Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer has urged families to take extra care with Halloween costumes and candles, warning that highly flammable fancy dress outfits can lead to serious injuries.
Andrew Hopkinson said that while Halloween should be an opportunity for families to have fun, simple precautions could help prevent potentially devastating accidents.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio News, he warned that some costumes can catch fire rapidly when exposed to naked flames, potentially leaving wearers and those nearby with significant burns.
He urged people to check costume labels before buying or wearing fancy dress outfits, and to choose fire-resistant options wherever possible.
“Do not let your children particularly anywhere near a naked flame,” he said.
Mr Hopkinson also recommended using battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative, alongside ensuring smoke detectors are installed and working at home.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service warns that children’s Halloween costumes are classified as toys and do not undergo the same fire safety tests as ordinary clothing. As a result, they can have reduced resistance to fire.
The service says both adults and children are injured every year because of fire risks associated with costumes and candles.
Its guidance advises keeping candles away from clothing and hair, placing them out of reach of children and pets, and extinguishing them before leaving a room or going to bed.
Families are also encouraged to teach children what to do if their costume catches fire: stop, drop to the ground, cover their face with their hands and roll to extinguish the flames. Anyone whose costume catches fire should receive emergency assistance, with 999 called immediately.