A FIRE chief has warned people to turn off Christmas lights when they are not in use to avoid the risk of starting a blaze.

And Lancashire's chief fire officer Peter Holland has praised the Lancashire Telegraph's campaign urging people to turn off electrical stand-by buttons.

He said that at this time of the year it was even more important to be alert to the risks that electrical appliances can pose.

He said: "Christmas lights add to the risk. It is good common sense to switch these things off when they are not in use and when people go to bed.

"I genuinely think people don't realise how serious the risk is and with and with Christmas lights even more care needs to be taken.

"We need to continue to raise awareness."

He has also warned that increased alcohol consumption at Christmas is another factor that could lead to problems.

He said: "We need people to be alert and do that final check of appliances before they go to bed."

The Lancashire Telegraph launched its Turn It Off campaign to encourage people to save lives, save energy and save money by not leaving appliances switched on and unattended or on standby.

The campaign was backed by MPs and fire crews and highlighted the fire risks, with 2,414 fires across the county started by electrical appliances since 2003.

Fire crews have said things like fridges and freezers - which are in constant use - must be serviced and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to stop them malfunctioning.

Blackburn MP and Leader of the House of Commons Jack Straw has also backed our campaign.

He said: "Full marks for the Telegraph for taking this up. Turning things off saves you money, protects your home from fire and protects the environment from carbon emissions."

Burnley MP Kitty Usher added: "The Telegraph must be congratulated. Turning off an appliance at the plug is such a small thing to do but not doing could have major repercussions for safety in the home."