Bedfordshire's fire service has Diwali advice for 6 to 10 November on cooking, candles and smoke alarms. Its team also visited Bedford's Festival of Lights.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding households to keep cooking safety in mind during Diwali, which families will celebrate from 6 to 10 November this year.

The service’s prevention team has already taken the message to Bedford’s Festival of Lights, an event hosted by the Bedford Indian community for 16 years.

The festival celebrated Diwali, also known as Bandi Chhor Divas in some communities, and brought together people from a range of cultures and backgrounds. Staff on the fire service stall gave advice on safe cooking and the safe use of candles and diyas. They also promoted working smoke alarms and the service’s Home Fire Safety Visits.

Community Safety Officer Stacey Lopes Moore said: “Events such as these provide a valuable opportunity to connect with local communities, raise awareness of fire safety, and help keep people safe while celebrating cultural traditions.”

What it means for you

With families and friends coming together to prepare festive treats, the service asks everyone to:

  • make sure cooking is not left unattended
  • keep tea towels, packaging and other flammable items away from the hob
  • take extra care in busy kitchens, particularly when children are around
  • make sure smoke alarms are working

Candles

The service’s candle safety page suggests LED candles as an alternative, saying they “are safe and will not set clothing or other materials alight”. It warns that it “only takes one accident to cause a fire”.

For real candles, its advice is to:

  • keep them secure in a proper holder so they do not fall over
  • keep them away from curtains, loose clothes, paper, books, cardboard and fabric-covered furniture
  • never put them on a shelf under another shelf
  • keep children and pets away from them
  • put them out when you leave the room or go to bed

The same page says to have working smoke alarms on every floor, test them once a week, and change the battery once a year unless it is a 10-year alarm. The whole unit should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Who can get a free home visit

The banner on the Festival of Lights stall listed what a home safety visit covers: assessing your home, advising on safety issues, helping to install free smoke alarms, planning escape routes and referring you to other support.

The Home Fire Safety Visits are free for vulnerable people, such as those who are over 65, live alone, have a disability or dependency, or have adult social care needs. You can book one, or refer someone else, on 0800 043 5042 or at homefiresafetyvisit@bedsfire.gov.uk.

The service asks residents who want a say in its work to join its Community Engagement Panel, which sends emails no more than once a month. Its earlier advice on smoke alarms and home emergencies is in our report on the Be Ready campaign.