Kent Fire and Rescue Service are urging those celebrating Diwali in Dartford to be safe during the festival of lights.

Firefighters will be visiting the Milan Day Centre on Westgate Road at 10:30am and the Sikh Temple, Guru Harogobind Sahib Gurdawara on Highfield Road at 3pm on October 23 to deliver fire safety messages and hand out leaflets on how to ensure a happy and safe Diwali.

KFRS Principal Community Liaison Officer, Prithipal Kang, said: “This is an important time for many in our community, we want to make sure that the Diwali celebrations on October 23 are not disrupted due to fire and that safety remains a priority.

“One of the main themes of Diwali is knowledge over ignorance, so if you are taking part in the festivities to mark this special time please take a few minutes to understand how accidental fires can be prevented.

"Both Divas and candles have the potential to spread to soft furnishings if not handled correctly, so make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving the room.

"If you’re cooking with hot oil, only use the necessary amount and take the pan off the heat if you leave the kitchen. I would also urge people to keep in mind that long hair, and traditional clothing such as saris, can be extremely flammable.

“Its vital that everyone has working smoke alarms in their homes and that they test them before the festival gets underway”.

Call KFRS on 0800 923 7000 to get more advice on how to keep you, your family or a neighbour safe from fire or go to www.3breaths.info/ for further information.