December is the worst month of the year for house fires because of the extensive use of electrical decorations and lights, unattended candles and overloaded sockets.
Homes are filled with easily flammable objects such as both real and artificial Christmas trees, tinsel or any other decorations made of combustible materials such as cardboard, wood or paper.
There is also an increased risk of electrical fire, as overloaded plug sockets can take the strain of keeping homes looking festive.
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said the average amount of domestic fires it attends during the Christmas period – lasting between 24 December and 31 December – is much higher than the average amount of incidents in the same period in every other month of the year.
Experts are urging households to be extra mindful over the Christmas season by turning off fairy lights overnight, keeping flammable decorations away from fire sources and swapping candles for LED options.
Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegends.com, said: “Christmas is a time for celebration but unfortunately it’s also a period when the risk of home fires increases significantly.
“Households will be filling their home with gorgeous festive lights but it’s important to handle these with care to avoid fire hazards.
“Even something as simple as forgetting to turn off the lights before going to bed or overcrowding sockets can lead to devastating consequences.”
1. Unattended candles
Candles left burning without supervision pose a serious fire risk. They can easily ignite nearby decorations and curtains or be accidentally knocked over by pets or children. It’s important to place candles carefully, especially during busy holiday gatherings and make sure to blow them out before going to bed or moving to another room. A safer alternative would be to use flameless LED candles.
2. Damaged or low-quality lights
Many people like to hang fairy lights around the house and on the Christmas tree for a cosy glow, however damaged or low-quality lights can easily overheat and catch flames when hung around the house. Make sure to replace any damaged lights with high-quality, durable solutions, and don’t forget to switch off and unplug the lights when going to bed or leaving the house.
3. Overloaded sockets
It may be convenient to plug multiple Christmas lights and electrical decorations into one socket, however it’s important to prevent overheating the electrical system as it can lead to a fire. Overloaded sockets are a common cause of house fires because electrical outlets are only designed to handle a certain amount of electricity.
4. Dry Christmas tree
If you’re opting for a real Christmas tree, it’s extremely important to water it regularly to keep it hydrated. A well-watered Christmas tree is relatively fire-resistant but a dry tree is highly flammable and can ignite rapidly, engulfing a room in flames within seconds. Make sure to never leave Christmas tree lights on overnight and keep the tree away from fireplaces and candles.
5. Non-waterproof lights outside
When hanging up festive lights in your garden or front yard, make sure to use outdoor-rated and fully waterproof lights. The level of protection lights have against dust and water is determined by their IP rating, which should be at least 65 in the UK in order to withstand the wet winter weather conditions and prevent short circuits or electrical fires.
6. Cables under carpets
Hiding electrical cables under rugs or carpets might seem like a good way to tidy up but it’s a significant fire hazard. The weight and friction from foot traffic can damage the cable’s insulation over time and because carpets trap heat, the cables can overheat. This can lead to short circuits or even cause the surrounding materials to ignite.
7. Flammable decorations
Many common Christmas decorations are highly flammable, such as tinsel, cardboard ornaments, dry wreaths or paper chains and garlands. It’s important to keep these items away from heat sources and open flames, and consider using fire-resistant alternatives when possible.
