FIRE officers are warning festive revellers to stop decorations and candles turning into Christmas killers.

Dangerous decorations are among the list of potential fire hazards, with new warnings being issued by Wiltshire Fire Brigade this month to prevent a festive tragedy.

A campaign has also been launched by Wiltshire's Trading Standards, which has produced a report into the dangers of candles in the home.

A survey carried out earlier this year into 50 types of tea lights and 82 types of decorative candles has highlighted some worrying trends.

Several types of tea lights were flagged up as being potentially lethal with some metal bases reaching temperatures of up to 344 degrees Centigrade easily hot enough to melt plastic.

Many of the candles tested burned with large flames and one spat out molten wax.

Fairy lights, tinsel and Christmas trees have all caused house blazes in the past, leaving families homeless for New Year.

Trowbridge station officer Nick Dunford said families needed to be on their guard this year to prevent potential tragedy.

He said: "Although we have not had too many Christmas related incidents in this area, there have been incidents in the past.

"I have attended fires where families have been out on the streets for Christmas and it is a horrible sight.

"I hope people will take the advice and act on it as they are simple guidelines to follow which could prevent a disaster.

"We will be staffed exactly as normal over the Christmas period to make sure we are on call to any incidents."

Trading Standards manager Steve Clover said: "Every year we receive a steady stream of complaints regarding candles that burn erratically, sometimes becoming a safety hazard endangering life and property.

"We are especially concerned that there are no British or European safety standards which would lay down minimum standards of safety and quality.

"Labelling and advice on the safe use of candles and tea lights are often absent and where packaging does include warnings, these are often too small to encourage the consumer to read them."

Safety Tips

Never leave a burning candle unattended and always use a proper candle-holder.

Candles should be kept away from decorations and Christmas trees.

Never put spent matches in tea lights and make sure they are placed away from flammable objects.

Decorations should always meet fire safety standards read the labels. If they are old they may not be fire resistant.

Keep open fires well guarded and matches away from children.

Do not overload sockets and make sure all extension cords are safe and out the way.

Make sure that ashtrays are emptied on a regular basis.