Horrifying footage released by a Fire and Rescue Service shows how quickly a child's Halloween costume can catch fire in just a few seconds.
The short clip was released by the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as a warning about the dangers of flammable costumes ahead of Halloween.
In the horrifying video, viewers see a child's witch costume being set alight by a firefighter, and within seconds the entire outfit is quickly turned into a fireball.
The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue service posted the footage on social media as a warning to parents about the dangers kids face while wearing cheap Halloween costumes.
They wrote on Facebook : "With Halloween just around the corner, have you got your costume?
"This International Product Safety Week, we're reminding everyone to take care with flammable costumes around open flames."
In the UK market, fancy dress costumes are classified as toys, so they are not subject to the same safety standards as standard clothes.
The costumes are often at a low cost, some even being less than £5 in major retail stores such as ASDA, Lidl and Aldi. However these
TV presenter Claudia Winkleman's daughter Matilda was burned in a Halloween costume accident in 2015, since Claudia has called for stricter rules.
She said: "I would like parents on Halloween to think about what they're going to put their kids in because I didn't, and it cost us."
Other emergency services across the country are also warning people about the dangers of Halloween costumes.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Leon Parkes, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Parents should check Halloween costumes that meet the required safety standard and are always kept away from naked flames."
The public are urged to take care around open flames and double check the fire safety labels of their costumes.
Fire services in Northern Ireland are also urging people to keep safe and away from fire this halloween.
Dave McComiskey, Assistant Group Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We want to see everyone enjoy Halloween, but unfortunately each year we witness first-hand the devastating impact the misuse of fireworks and sparklers can have.
They are a fire hazard and can set fire to property, the environment and clothing. The explosive force of a firework can also cause serious injury particularly to your hands and face. If you do decide to use fireworks then only light them outside in an open space and keep children well away from them.
He advises that those in fancy dress costumes, should stay away from any open fire and fireworks at all times.
“Swap out candles for battery operated lights. If a costume catches fire, remember STOP, DROP and ROLL to quickly put the flames out.”
He adds: “If using sparklers, never give them to children under the age of five, and always wear gloves, preferably leather ones. Always supervise children when lighting sparklers, and ensure they hold the sparkler at arm’s length.”
