ESSEX County Fire and Rescue Service is urging everyone celebrating Diwali this week to take extra care.

Diwali – known as the Festival of Lights – is a five day celebration that starts on Sunday.

The light signifies goodness and various lamps are burnt throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil.

Safety advice issued includes making sure candles are in a safe and secure holder, they are kept away from soft furnishings and that candles are not left unattended.

Neil Fenwick, Head of Community Safety, said: “We want everyone taking part in Diwali to have a fun and safe celebration.

“Candles, oil lamps and fireworks all pose serious fire risks. By following our simple safety tips you can keep your family and home as safe as possible."

The Service has the following safety advice:

• Make sure all candles and Divas are in a safe and secure holder and that all tea candles are placed on a heat resistant surface.

• Keep candles and Divas away from soft furnishings, including curtains, and out of the reach of young children.

• Special care should be taken with home made decorated candles and Diva lamps to ensure that the flame does not come into contact with anything which could catch light. Long hair and clothing (especially saris, chunris/chunis and dupattas) are also very flammable.

• Candles should not be left unattended at any time, care should be taken when retiring to bed or while attending the Gurdwara (temple for Diwali prayers).

• Ensure that all fireworks meet British safety standards, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

• If cooking during the festival do not leave cooking unattended.

• If a fire does break out follow the simple rule to get everyone out, stay out and call the fire service out(dial 999).

Smoke alarms are without doubt the most important piece of equipment in any home.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home, carry out a safety inspection, give you all the advice you need and fit smoke alarms entirely FREE of charge.

To book a home fire safety visit call us on 0300 303 0088 or contact us online by visiting http://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/Home_Fire_Safety/.