As part of its Stay Safe and Celebrate campaign, Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging residents who smoke to follow their important advice this Christmas. The campaign, launched on 2 December, aims to raise awareness of common causes of house fires.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is urging residents to use candles with care throughout this festive period. This a part of the Brigade’s Stay Safe and Celebrate campaign running over the festive season to raise awareness of common causes of house fires.

Over the past year 7% of accidental fires across Cleveland were caused by candles. They are very popular at this time, with several types available to buy, but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Staff from Cleveland Fire Brigade joined forces with their counterparts from the Tees area of the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) to raise £6,210 for Help for Heroes.

The sponsorship money was raised after taking part in the 110 mile Cleveland Way walk earlier this year and also from a ceilidh event. On Wednesday 7 December, at Redcar Ambulance Station, staff from the two organisations handed over the money to the Help for Heroes charity.

A partnership between Cleveland Fire Brigade and the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) continues to be successful, ensuring the quickest response to patients in East Cleveland.

Since the co-responder scheme started in 2004, the Brigade has assisted the ambulance service by attending over 1800 emergency incidents. The Brigade has mobilised 550 calls this year alone, making 2011 its busiest year to date.

Electrical appliances have become a staple of modern life – from fridges and phones to toasters or the TV, it’s hard to think how we’d get by without a few electrically powered equipment. These essentials could however be the cause of a tragedy if not maintained.