Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of increased fire hazards.
From candles and fairy lights to cooking and heating, there are many sources of ignition that can cause a fire in your home or workplace. According to the UK Home Office, there were 2,300 accidental dwelling fires in December 2020, resulting in 11 fatalities and 64 injuries. To avoid becoming a statistic, it is important to be aware of the fire risks at Christmas and how to prevent and handle them.
Some of the common fire risks at Christmas include:
Candles: Candles can create a cosy and festive atmosphere, but they can also easily start a fire if they are left unattended, knocked over, or placed near flammable materials. According to the National Accident Helpline, candles cause an average of 350 house fires each year in the UK.
Fairy lights: Fairy lights can add sparkle and colour to your Christmas tree, but they can also overheat, short-circuit, or ignite if they are faulty, damaged, or overloaded. According to Electrical Safety First, one in 12 people have had a near miss or accident with an electrical product at Christmas.
Cooking: Cooking is a major part of Christmas, but it can also be a major cause of fire. Cooking is the cause of nearly half of all domestic fires in the UK, and the risk increases when people are distracted, tired, or under the influence of alcohol. According to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, cooking fires peak on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Heating: Heating is essential for keeping warm and comfortable in winter, but it can also pose a fire hazard if it is not used properly or maintained regularly. Heating appliances, such as electric heaters, fireplaces, and wood burners, can cause fires if they are left on, placed too close to combustibles, or not cleaned or serviced.
Fire Prevention Tips
To prevent fires at Christmas, you should follow these simple tips:
Candles: Never leave candles burning unattended, and always extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the room. Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, decorations, and other flammable items. Use a stable and heat-resistant holder, and place candles on a flat and secure surface. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets and avoid placing them near drafts or vents.
Fairy lights: Check your fairy lights for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires, loose connections, or cracked bulbs. Replace any faulty or broken lights, and do not use them if they are more than 10 years old. Turn off your fairy lights when you go to bed or leave the house, and do not leave them on for more than 12 hours at a time. Avoid overloading sockets or extension leads and use a residual current device (RCD) to protect against electric shocks. Keep fairy lights away from candles, heaters, and other heat sources.
Cooking: Never leave your cooking unattended, and always switch off the oven and hob if you are leaving the kitchen. Keep a close eye on your food and use a timer to remind you when it is done. Keep your oven, hob, and grill clean and free of grease and crumbs, and remove any flammable items from the cooking area. Avoid cooking if you are tired, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol. Keep children and pets away from the kitchen and have a fire blanket or extinguisher handy in case of emergencies.
Heating: Only use heating appliances that are in good working order and have been tested and certified by a reputable organisation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines, and do not use them for any other purpose than intended. Keep heating appliances at least one metre away from curtains, furniture, bedding, and other flammable materials. Do not leave heating appliances on overnight or when you are out, and do not cover them with anything. Have your chimney, fireplace, or wood burner inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year and use a fire guard to prevent sparks and embers from escaping.
Fire Handling Tips
In case a fire does break out at Christmas, you should know how to handle it safely and effectively.
Here are some steps to follow:
Raise the alarm: As soon as you notice a fire, shout “Fire!” to alert anyone else in the building and activate the nearest fire alarm if there is one. Call 999 or 112 as soon as possible and give them your address and the details of the fire. Do not hang up until they tell you to do so.
Escape the fire: If you can, try to put out the fire with a fire blanket or extinguisher, but only if it is small and contained, and you know how to use them. Do not use water on electrical or oil fires, as this can make them worse. If you cannot put out the fire, or if it is spreading, get out of the building as quickly and safely as you can. Follow your escape plan if you have one or use the nearest exit. Close any doors behind you to slow down the fire, and do not stop to collect any belongings. If you encounter smoke, crawl low to the ground, and cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. If you encounter a closed door, feel it with the back of your hand before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it, and look for another way out. If you are trapped, stay in the room, close the door, and block any gaps with towels or blankets. Open a window if you can, and signal for help by waving a cloth or shouting.
Stay safe: Once you are out of the building, stay away from the fire and smoke, and go to a safe meeting point. Do not re-enter the building for any reason and wait for the fire service to arrive. Follow their instructions and let them know if anyone is missing or injured. If you or anyone else has suffered any burns, cool them with cold running water for at least 10 minutes, and cover them with a clean, non-fluffy cloth or cling film. Seek medical attention if needed.
Fire risks at Christmas can be avoided or reduced by following some simple fire prevention and handling tips. By being aware of the common fire hazards, and by taking some precautions and actions, you can ensure a safe and happy Christmas for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, fire safety is not just for Christmas, but for life.