Councils and Fire Chiefs issue reminder on home fire safety ahead of festive season

In the run up to the festive period the Local Government Association (LGA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) are reminding people of precautions that can be taken at home to prevent a fire, as government figures show a heightened risk of fire around this time of year.

The number of fire hazards in the home can dramatically increase as people celebrate and exchange gifts, due to festive lights and decorations, candles and open flames, as well as potentially faulty products such as toys or chargers and devices.

Analysis of Home Office figures from the last 10 years by NFCC shows that fire risk in England is higher in December. People are 53 per cent more likely to have a fire on Christmas Day than they are on an average day in the year along with a 10 per cent uplift in risk of an accidental home fire occurring in December than in any other month of the year.

To help reduce the risk of fire in homes NFCC encourages people to complete an Online Home Fire Safety Check (OHFSC) for themselves or their loved ones. The free online tool allows people to get tailored tips and advice to reduce the risk of fire simply by answering a few questions.

Festive fire safety advice includes not overloading sockets, making sure any Christmas lights are not damaged, and keeping candles away from flammable materials like decorations and curtains. Festive lights should always be switched off at night or whilst properties are empty.

Statistics show that most fires in the home start in the kitchen while cooking, so it’s important to stay focused. Electrical fires can also pose a higher risk at Christmas.

People are reminded to check that any electrical appliances, including toys and devices, bought as gifts are from reputable sellers and that CE or UKCA marks are visible, which is a requirement of UK product safety regulations.

Products bought from third-party sellers on online marketplaces or auction sites may not necessarily have the same level of regulation as trusted high street retailers. With e-bikes, e-bike conversion kits and e-scooters being one of the latest must-haves, checks should be made that they also meet UK safety regulations.

People are also being urged to be cautious when charging e-bikes and e-scooters with a reminder that they should never be stored or charged in hallways or other escape routes.
NFCC is also advising all homeowners to have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their property and all homes to test that they are all working as a matter of routine. It is also a legal requirement that landlords provide smoke alarms in rental properties, and renters should ensure these are tested regularly.

Cllr Frank Biederman, Chair of the LGA’s Fire Services Management Committee, said:

“The Christmas period is a time for celebrating and relaxing – which means fire safety advice is especially important to make sure everyone celebrating can enjoy themselves.

“We urge people to make sure they are aware of festive fire risks and take the necessary precautions – in particular testing smoke alarms, checking electronics and purchasing gifts that meet product safety standards, from a reputable retailer. Do remember to think about your neighbours or family members who are elderly or maybe isolated and encourage them to use the Online Home Fire Safety Check. Following fire safety advice helps save lives.”

Rick Hylton, Chair of NFCC’s Prevention Committee, said:

“We’re keen to make sure people keep fire safety on their Christmas list so they remember the celebrations for the right reasons. Christmas can be a busy time for fire and rescue services. A few minutes completing an Online Home Fire Safety Check and being alert to the risks in your home or the home of your loved ones can help you have a peaceful and safe Christmas.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• Home Office fire statistics can be found here: Fire statistics incident level datasets – GOV.UK), with the data referenced in this release available from the dataset here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/669e884bfc8e12ac3edb01d0/daily-incident-dataset-250724.ods
• The OHFSC was developed by NFCC and Fire Kills in collaboration with Safelincs. The tool was offered the UK Fire and Rescue Services free of charge and is being used by 92 per cent of UK FRS. Members of the public can use the tool no matter where they are in the UK.
• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC is a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.
• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC is a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.

For more information, please contact NFCC’s Communications team.