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Don’t let fire be an unwelcome guest this Christmas

Christmas is a special time for celebration and should not end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are present at this time of year.

There is far more potential for a fire during this period due to candles being lit, decorative lights being used and extra cooking in the home. Planning for Christmas is a busy time but people still need to take a few precautions around the home in order to ensure they have a safe and happy festive period.

The following Fire Kills film shows a house fire, most likely sparked by faulty Christmas tree lights, envelopes a living room in a shocking 46 seconds. Remember to check your Christmas tree lights are in good condition, turn them off before you go to bed and be safe at home over the festive season. Keeping your tree well watered can also prevent fire from taking hold.

There is a Christmas tree with lights on in the corner of a living room, there is a child’s toy on the floor.

A fire starts at the bottom of the Christmas tree and quickly spreads to the tree engulfing it in flames.

In a few seconds the room is covered in black smoke and the fire has started to spread to other furniture.

In 46 seconds the whole room is on fire and is filled with black toxic smoke.

Screen caption: Remember to turn off your Christmas lights.

Screen caption: It only takes a minute.

Take a look at out tips to help make you safer this Christmas:

  • Make sure you have a working smoke alarms. Test your smoke alarms weekly and never remove the batteries to power presents!
  • Find out how fire safe you are by completing our online Home Fire Risk Check to find out what your fire risks are and how you can make you and your family safer.
  • Never leave cooking unattended. Remember and avoid cooking whilst drunk.  The majority of fires start in the in the kitchen so this is a high risk area.  Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
  • Never leave candles unattended.  Keep decorations, card and wrapping paper away from candles, fires, lights and heaters.
  • Make sure your switch off fairy lights and unplug them before you go to bed or leave the house. Check your Christmas tree lights carry the British Safety Standard sign.  
  • Don’t over load sockets, make sure there is only one plug per socket.  Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.
  • Take care around open fire places.  Always use a British Standard fire guard and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed or leave the house
  • Make sure cigarettes are put out properly and never smoke in bed, Put it out, right out.
  • Have an escape plan and make sure your family and visitors know how to escape in an emergency. Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if there is a fire get out, stay out and call 999
  • Always use an RCD (residual current device) on outdoor electrical equipment (This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store).
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas to make sure they are safe at this time of year.
  • Don’t leave toys lying around, especially near open fires or heaters

This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!”