DON’T forget to turn off your Christmas lights warns the fire fighters following a close shave for one Milford family.

Fire crews were called to a property on Charles Street, Milford Haven, on Sunday after a smoke alarm alerted the family of a fire which had been started by tea lights at 12.38am.

Milford Haven Fire Service warned residents that they must “ensure that all non-essential electrics are turned off during your bedtime routine”.

The importance of having working smoke detectors was also highlighted with people reminded that free fire home safety checks area available.

The fire was confined to the Christmas tea lights, in the front room of the property. Firefighters extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus.

The Fire Service left the incident at 1.03am.

Steve Davies, Deputy Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “This incident could have been much worse had the occupants not been alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm. I would like to take this opportunity to stress the importance of fitting a smoke alarm and testing it every week.

“We all love Christmas lights, but we often forget that Christmas lights are used far less than everyday lights, and so require more care.

“When arranging your lights, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions, check that your Christmas lights carry the British Standard sign and replace any bulbs that blow.

“These light bulbs can burn through materials such as paper of fabrics so please do not attach decorations to lights or heaters.

“Make this a Christmas to remember for the right reasons, always ensure that you switch all Christmas lights off and unplug them before leaving the house or going to bed.”

Contact your local fire station for information on home safety checks.

Christmas lights safety Do and Don’ts

Do

* Display your lights in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

* Ensure you buy Christmas lights from a reputable supplier and carry the British Standard sign.

* Check the fuses are the right type.

* If bulbs blow, replace them.

* Only use outside leads for outside lights.

* Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week. Never remove them.

Don’t

* Don’t leave decorative lights on when you go out or when you go to sleep.

* Don’t overload sockets and extension leads.

* Don’t attach decorations to lights or heaters as they can burn easily.

* Don’t let Christmas tree light bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, such as paper or fabrics.