FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to be wary of faulty Christmas lights over the festive season.

A dramatic video showing the effects faulty lights can have on a dry tree has been released by firefighters.

The video shows how a broken light can spark an inferno on a Christmas tree that could spread to the whole room in less than a minute.

In seconds, the video shows a living room enveloped with fire.

The London Fire Brigade warned: "Check your Christmas tree lights are in good condition and turn them off before you go to bed.

"Marke sure you have working smoke alarms."

A house fire, most likely sparked by faulty Christmas tree lights, envelopes a living room in a shocking 40 seconds. Check your Christmas tree lights are in good condition & turn them off before you go to bed. Make sure you have working smoke alarms pic.twitter.com/UxIxC80UtQ

— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) December 4, 2017

Advice from firefighters is to:

Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and don't leave them burning unattended.

Don't attach decorations to lights or heaters as they burn easily

Don’t overload plug sockets

Check on elderly relatives and neighbours - make sure they are fire safe.