December Fire Safety Guide: How to Prevent House Fires at Christmas

December is the Peak Month for House Fires

December is the busiest month of the year for accidental home fires. Families plug in more lights, use more heating, burn more candles and spend more time cooking. Homes are also decorated with trees, tinsel and electrical lighting that create fire hazards if not used correctly.

This December Fire Safety Guide explains why Christmas fire risks increase so sharply and how you can protect your home and family. With simple steps, you can keep your celebrations safe and enjoyable all season long.

Why Christmas Fire Risks Increase in December

1. More electrical items, more heat and more overloaded sockets

   Homes use significantly more electricity in December. Christmas lights, heaters, new gadgets and multiple extension leads increase the risk of overheating. Overloaded sockets are one of the most common causes of festive electrical fires.

   
   

2. Extra heaters and fireplaces increase ignition risks

   Portable heaters, open fires and radiators are used more often in winter. When placed too close to furniture, soft furnishings or Christmas decorations, they become a major fire hazard.

   
   

3. Candles cause more house fires during the holidays

   Candle fires rise dramatically at Christmas. Unattended candles, advent candles, and scented candles placed near decorations or clutter are a leading cause of December fires.

   
   

4. Dry Christmas trees ignite very quickly

   Real trees dry out fast, especially in centrally heated homes. A dry Christmas tree can catch fire in seconds when combined with faulty lights or heat sources.

   
   

5. Busy homes mean more distractions

   Christmas gatherings, visitors, children playing and increased cooking all lead to reduced attention. Fires can start when simple safety steps are forgotten.

How To Prevent House Fires at Christmas

1. Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

   Before decorating, test every alarm in your home. Replace batteries and make sure each floor has a working smoke alarm. A carbon monoxide detector is essential for homes with heating appliances or open fires.

   
   

2. Keep heaters clear from decorations

   Heaters need at least one metre of clear space around them. Keep them away from Christmas trees, wrapping paper, curtains and soft furnishings.

   
   

3. Use candles with caution or switch to LED alternatives

   1. Keep candles away from decorations

   2. Place them on stable, heat resistant surfaces

   3. Never leave candles unattended

   4. Use battery powered LED candles for safer ambience

      
      

4. Care for your Christmas tree properly

   1. For real trees:

      1. Cut the base before placing it in water

      2. Keep the stand topped up daily

      3. Position the tree away from fires, radiators or heaters

      4. Use LED lights to reduce heat

      5. Unplug lights when not in use

         
         

5. Create and practice a simple fire escape plan

   Ensure family members know the quickest route out of the home. Keep hallways, stairs and exits free from decorations, gifts or obstacles.

   
   

6. Use electrical sockets safely

   1. Do not overload sockets

   2. Avoid daisy chained extension leads

   3. Replace damaged wires or plugs

   4. Use LED Christmas lights which create less heat

   5. Turn off all lights before sleeping or leaving the house

Want to know if your sockets are carrying too much load? Try our Socket Overload Calculator. It gives you a quick way to see which combinations of appliances could exceed the maximum safe limits for extension leads.

Check now

Christmas cooking fire safety tips

Kitchen fires rise sharply in December. Keep these safety habits in mind:

• Never leave cooking unattended

• Keep packaging and tea towels away from the hob

• Clean ovens and hobs before the busy season

• Turn pan handles inward

• Avoid deep frying when tired or distracted

• Keep children away from hot surfaces

Protecting Elderly Relatives and Vulnerable Family Members

Older adults are at higher risk of fire during winter. Support them by:

• Testing their smoke alarms

• Checking their heaters and wiring

• Removing unsafe cables or overloaded plugs

• Replacing real candles with LED options

• Ensuring safe kitchen spaces

Make Fire Safety a Priority This Christmas

Christmas should be a time for celebration, not emergencies. With a few simple preventative steps, you can reduce December fire risks significantly. From safer electrical use to careful placement of candles and heaters, small changes make a powerful difference.

Learn more about our Fire Solutions