Every year, accidents on 31 October result in children and adults suffering burns when candles or fireworks ignite costumes or hair. Materials like plastic capes and bin liners, often used in Halloween outfits, pose particular fire risks.
Currently, children’s fancy dress costumes are classed as toys rather than clothing. This means they are not required to meet the same fire safety standards as nightwear. The National Fire Chiefs’ Council has called for this classification to be changed to improve safety.
Sarah Moore, Home Fire Safety Manager, said:
“We don’t want to stop people enjoying Halloween, but we do want them to celebrate safely.
“There is nothing more terrifying than having a fire at home or seeing your clothes catch fire.”
The service is encouraging families to take simple precautions to reduce the risk:
Check labels for a CE Mark, showing the costume meets European toy flammability requirements (EN71-2).
Look for additional safety swing tags stating the garment has undergone extra fire testing.
Buy from reputable UK retailers to avoid fake or unsafe products.
Dress children in clothes under costumes for added protection.
Keep children away from open flames, including sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 2,000°C.
Use battery-powered candles in pumpkins instead of real ones.
Teach children what to do if their clothes catch fire: STOP, DROP and ROLL.
More guidance is available at www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/what-to-do-if-theres-a-fire/
