FIRE officers are asking entertainment venues to take extra care when decorating their premises for Hallowe’en parties.

Area manager Phil Martin said: “The Fire and Rescue Service wants to ensure that people can have fun in safety.

“There have been welldocumented tragic fires where the well-intended decoration of buildings and corridors has led to rapid fire spread when a fire has started.”

The service advises that in considering decorations people must take account of the flammability of material used.

Anything that could assist the developmental spread of fire must be avoided.

Phil said: “Those responsible for buildings are required to complete a risk assessment that takes account of all matters related to fire spread and maintaining a means of escape.

A sensible and considered approach will ensure people can escape safely if a fire does occur.”

Advice for businesses can be found on the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service website at dsfire.gov.uk/YourSafety/SafetyAtWorkAndOtherPlaces