A house fire or - worse - a death provides the darkest stories for the pages of this newspaper.

But, if it is possible, there is something even more tragic about tales of family members lost at Christmas.

Today firefighters warn of the dangers caused by faulty fairy lights and there is dramatic footage of a Christmas tree blaze on our website.

They have released the video to show how fast an accidental Christmas tree fire can spread - and it makes shocking viewing.

Emergency crews reckon on average seven people across the country die in festive-related fires each year.

It follows a Government warning that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in a house fire over Christmas than at any other time of year.

And, to hammer home the message, Rewley Road fire station watch manager Steve Anderson recounts some chilling stories.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service responded to 600 incidents last December, including 143 between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Families need to take on board the warning and make sure they have a safe Christmas.

Let us hope that this year does not end in despair for anyone.