Grampian Fire and Rescue Service have launched their Christmas Home Fire Safety Campaign.

A simulated furnished living room with a Christmas tree was set on fire using a single candle. The demonstration aimed to illustrate the consequences of not following basic Christmas home fire safety advice. The powerful image of the living room on fire will hopefully convey to the public what can occur when basic fire safety advice is ignored.

Within just four minutes the entire room was completely ablaze.

Group Manager Ally Birkett, Head of Community Safety, said:

"Statistically you are 50% more likely to die in an accidental house fire during the festive period than at any other time of the year.

"Most house fires start in the kitchen. The risk of a fire occurring in your kitchen increases considerably after alcohol has been consumed. Fire starts when your attention stops. Never leave cooking unattended.

"Only use Christmas tree lights that conform to the British Standard, if in doubt have your lights replaced. Always switch Christmas tree lights off and unplug them at night and when the room is going to be unoccupied for a lengthy period of time.

"Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Never leave burning candles unattended and always ensure that they are in proper holders so that they can't fall over.

"Sadly, during last year’s festive season in Grampian, 25 households had nothing to celebrate. They all suffered the trauma of having a fire in their home, which could have been avoided.

"Fire does not respect Christmas- celebrate safely, be safe not sorry."