Christmas is a time for celebrations, family gatherings and festive traditions - but it’s also one of the busiest periods of the year for fire and rescue services.

As homes fill with decorations, candles, fairy lights and the distractions that come with entertaining, the risk of accidental fires increases. UK fire services are once again urging residents to keep fire safety firmly in mind throughout the festive season.

From cooking large meals to using additional heating during colder weather, everyday activities can quickly become hazardous if basic precautions aren’t followed. Alcohol consumption, visitors in the home and changes to routine can also increase the likelihood of mistakes.

Fire services consistently report spikes in domestic fires during December, many of which are preventable.

Key Fire Safety Tips for the Festive Period

Fire authorities and the Fire Kills campaign recommend a few simple steps to reduce risk:

• Check your smoke alarms. Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and test them regularly. A working alarm will give you early warning if a fire starts.
• Stay alert when cooking. Cooking remains one of the leading causes of house fires. Never leave cooking unattended, and avoid cooking if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Keep flammable items like tea towels and packaging away from the hob.
• Use candles with care. Candles should always be kept well away from decorations, curtains and wrapping paper, and out of reach of children and pets. Never leave them burning unattended.
• Be cautious with heaters and open fires. Portable heaters and open fires should be positioned well away from furniture, decorations and clothing. Never dry clothes directly on heaters, and ensure chimneys and fireplaces are properly maintained.
• Check festive lighting. Use only lights that meet UK safety standards and switch them off before going to bed or leaving the house. Avoid overloading sockets, especially where extension leads are used.

From Seasonal Awareness to Year-Round Fire Safety

Christmas should be a time to relax - not to deal with emergencies that could have been avoided. Taking a few minutes to think about fire safety can make a significant difference in protecting your home and the people inside it.

As fire services continue to respond to increased incidents during the festive period, their message is clear: Stay aware, stay prepared, and enjoy the season safely.

These issues, along with emerging risks, regulation and best practice, will be explored in depth at The Fire Safety Event, where fire safety professionals come together to share knowledge, learn from real-world experience and strengthen safety outcomes across the built environment.

🔗Register here: The Fire Safety Event

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