Fire chiefs have launched a festive safety campaign warning of the dangers of drinking too much.

The initiative comes as figures reveal alcohol contributes to 30% of all house fires across Scotland.  

The message is to be driven home by a hard-hitting TV advert.

Household hazards include poorly-wired Christmas trees and even Christmas gifts.

Trees that are not correctly wired can take just 90 seconds to ignite a fire.

And the popular gift of hair straighteners could pose a safety threat if they are left switched on and unattended.

Decorative candles left burning can also spark blazes.

However, fire experts are most concerned about people drinking alcohol and then attempting to cook.

Chief Officer Brian Sweeney from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: “One in three fires in Scotland have alcohol as an influencing factor.

“And certainly a large number of those are people who are drunk or who have been drinking heavily starting to cook something – particularly late at night.

“Goodness knows, there should be enough cold turkey around that we can have a sandwich without cooking something from scratch.”