The Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Service (NIFRS) have called on parents to be aware that many fancy dress costumes can be highly flammable.

Ahead of the this weekend Halloween festivities, the NIFRS is urging people to celebrate safely, highlighting that they attended 100 incidents last year, an increase of 15% on the previous year.

The NIFRS has asked people to not put extra pressure on the service by starting fire deliberately and to follow all safety advice if using extra fire hazards such as sparklers and fireworks.

The safety advice issued by the NIFRS includes:

• Keep children away from naked flames – avoid using a naked flame or candle in pumpkins; use a torch, glow stick or battery operated candle.

• Stop, Drop and Roll if clothing does catch on fire – to try to extinguish the flames and also to stop the flames from rising towards the face.

• Choose a costume and mask that doesn't restrict a child's visibility or vision.

• Wear woollen tights or 'heavy' trousers (jeans) and a woollen jumper under the costume.

• Ensure children are well supervised at all times.

• Look out for Costumes that are labelled 'Low Flammability' 'BS5722' or have the European code 'BS EN 14878' which meets the higher standard of The Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1985.