FIRE chiefs are reminding small and medium businesses of basic safety procedures help avoid a blaze in the run up to Christmas.

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is reaching out to businesses this week, part of the National Fire Chief's Council's Business Safety Week from September 10 - 16, to reduce the number of fires damaging businesses.

Statistics from the fire service show that in 2016-17 there were 19,410 fires in UK businesses with about 30 per cent (5,518) being deliberately set.

The campaign asks businesses, which often take on many new seasonal staff leading up to Christmas, to contact their local fire service to get free advice on following safety procedures.

Tim Gray, head of fire safety at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “As part of our support for this week we will be out and about giving advice on preventing arson attacks, reducing false alarms, and if needed fire safety advice for premises with sleeping accommodation.”

Chair of NFCC's Protection and Business Safety Committee, Mark Hardingham said: "Fire can have a devastating effect on small and medium businesses. That is why the NFCC is committed to making them aware that fire services can help and advise them on reducing their fire risk.