With Halloween festivities approaching, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is urging people to celebrate safely and keep fire risks in check so the only frights are the ones planned.

From sparklers and costumes to carved pumpkins, NIFRS is reminding households to take simple precautions to prevent accidents and protect family, friends and neighbours during the spooky season.

NIFRS Group Commander David Shortt said: "Halloween is a fun and exciting time for everyone across Northern Ireland, but it is important to remember the fire risks that can come with the celebrations.

"NIFRS is encouraging everyone to celebrate safely by following some simple fire safety advice when using fireworks, sparklers and candles, and by being mindful of the risks associated with fancy dress costumes and clothing.

"We recommend attending professionally organised public firework displays instead of hosting private garden displays. If you are buying fireworks, ensure you purchase them from a licensed retailer and in accordance with the Fire Safety Code ensuring they are marked 'CE' to meet EU requirements. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and light them at a safe distance from people, buildings and anything that could catch fire. To buy, possess or use fireworks, you must legally have a valid fireworks licence that has been issued by the Department of Justice.

"Sparklers may look harmless but they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious injuries. They should never be given to children under the age of 5. When using sparklers, wear gloves and hold them at arm's length. Always supervise children when using sparklers and place used sparklers in a bucket of cold water when you're finished with them.

"Candles and naked flames should also be treated with care. Keep them away from costumes, decorations and other flammable materials. Never leave a lit candle unattended and consider using battery-operated candles as a safer alternative, particularly in pumpkins and lanterns. "When choosing Halloween costumes, check the label and opt for costumes made from flame-resistant materials where possible. Remember that all clothing can catch fire. Keep costumes away from candles and other naked flames and avoid long or trailing fabrics that could easily catch fire. If costumes or clothing does catch fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL.

"We want everyone to remember Halloween for all the right reasons. Taking a few simple precautions around fireworks, sparklers, candles and fancy dress can help ensure your celebrations are fun and safe."

NIFRS also set out practical guidance for the night itself. For trick-or-treaters, ensure children are closely supervised, choose costumes and masks that do not impede vision, and give youngsters a torch or glow stick to make them more visible near roads. As fancy-dress fabrics can ignite, check safety labels, steer clear of naked flames and make sure children know to Stop, Drop and Roll if clothing catches fire.

On fireworks, the service recommends attending professionally organised public displays rather than holding private garden events. If buying fireworks, use licensed retailers and check for a CE mark. Always read instructions with a torch, never a naked flame, keep fireworks in a closed tin and light them one at a time outdoors in a clear, open space. Ignite at arm's length using a taper, stand well back, and never return to a lit firework. Do not throw fireworks or carry them in pockets, avoid alcohol if you are setting them off, keep a bucket of water nearby, supervise children at all times, keep pets indoors and be considerate about late-night noise.

For sparklers, never give them to children under five. Wear gloves, hold them at arm's length, ensure an adult lights them, keep them away from others to avoid burns, and place used sparklers straight into a bucket of cold water.

When it comes to candles, opt for battery-operated candles, torches or glow sticks in pumpkins and lanterns wherever possible. Keep children away from naked flames, and if you must use real candles, position them well clear of decorations, capes and wigs. Never leave a candle burning unattended and make sure all flames are fully extinguished before leaving home or going to bed.

For added costume safety, choose flame-resistant materials where available, keep outfits away from candles and other ignition sources, avoid long trailing fabrics, and consider wearing woollen tights or heavy trousers and a woollen jumper underneath. Above all, supervise children throughout the evening.