There are simple steps everyone can take to mitigate these risks and still have a brilliant and festive holiday.
Assistant District Commander Dan Butterfield said “Candles can add a warm and festive touch to homes during the festive season, but they also pose a fire risk if not used safely. Never leave burning candles unattended. Make sure they are on a solid, heat- resistance surface, out of the reach of pets and children and away from flammable objects. Also do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
The kitchen can be the centre of activity during the festive period, but it is also a place where many fires start. Dan adds “We are also seeing a rise in trends of fires in the kitchen - do not place smaller cooking appliances, such as air fryers, on top of your cooker or hob, using your cooker as an extension of your worktop can lead to a fire. Never leave cooking unattended -if you need to leave the room, remove pans from the heat first.”
Finally with thousands of girls and boys getting new gadgets at this time of year, electrical safety is crucial, especially during the festive season when we tend to use more devices. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using appliance, including using the correct charger for the device. Always charge electrical devices on hard, flat surfaces and avoid charging devices overnight or when you are not at home - or on an escape route. Try to charge in an enclosed space with a closed door.
Lithium-ion batteries are also widely used in many devices, but they can pose risks if not handled properly. Do not overcharge batteries or leave them unattended while charging, use the charger recommended by the manufacturer, buy items from reputable retailers and check batteries for damage before charging.
For all our festive safety advice please visit Christmas Safety Advice | West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. On behalf of everyone at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service we’d like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas, and the same going into 2025.
*Statistics 1st December 2023 – 4th January 2024