Christmas Fire Safety: How to Stay Safe at Home and in the Workplace This Festive Season 

Christmas is a time for celebration, togetherness, and creating warm, festive spaces at home and at work. But it is also one of the busiest periods of the year for fire-related incidents. From overloaded plug sockets to flammable decorations, the risks increase significantly during December.  Follow these Christmas fire safety tips to stay safe this Christmas.

At Fire Guard Services, our team of former Fire Service professionals know first-hand how quickly a festive scene can turn into a dangerous situation. With a little preparation and awareness, you can keep your family, staff, and property safe throughout the season. 

People are 53 more likely to suffer a fire at Christmas than at any other time of the year.

Below, we highlight the most common Christmas fire hazards, along with practical steps to reduce risks both at home and in workplaces. 

Common Christmas Fire Risks 

1. Faulty or Overloaded Electrical Decorations
   

   Fairy lights, illuminated displays, extension leads, and extra appliances put additional strain on electrical systems. Old or damaged lights can overheat and ignite nearby materials. 

2. Candles and Open Flames
   

   Candles remain a popular part of Christmas décor, but they pose a serious fire risk, especially when placed near tinsel, cloth, or paper decorations. 

3. Cooking and Kitchen Accidents
   

   The festive season means busy kitchens, distracted chefs, and more opportunities for cooking fires to start. 

4. Portable Heaters
   

   Temporary heaters used in offices, warehouses, or cold homes can ignite curtains, furniture, or Christmas packaging if placed too close. 

5. Christmas Trees
   

   Real Christmas trees become highly flammable as they dry out. Artificial trees can also present risks if placed too close to heat sources. 

6. Alcohol and Fatigue
   

   Celebrations can lead to reduced alertness, particularly while cooking or using candles late into the evening. 

How to Stay Safe at Home This Christmas 

Check Your Lights 

• Inspect cables for fraying or damage before use. 

• Use lights that carry a UKCA or CE safety mark. 

• Never overload plug sockets; use extension leads with surge protection. 

• Switch off lights at night and when leaving the house. 

Keep Candles Under Control 

• Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces. 

• Keep them well away from decorations, curtains, and Christmas cards. 

• Never leave candles unattended, especially around children or pets. 

• Consider using LED flameless candles for a safer alternative. 

Cook Safely 

• Never leave cooking food unattended. 

• Keep tea towels, packaging, and decorations away from hobs. 

• Avoid drinking alcohol while cooking. 

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly. 

Protect Your Christmas Tree 

• Keep real trees well-watered; dry needles ignite within seconds. 

• Position trees away from radiators, fireplaces, and heaters. 

• Secure lights properly and turn them off before bed. 

• Dispose of real trees promptly after Christmas. 

Check Your Fire and Smoke Alarms 

Test your smoke alarms weekly in December. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector, especially if using log burners or gas appliances. 

Christmas Fire Safety in the Workplace 

Businesses face increased risks during the festive period, particularly offices, warehouses, care homes, hospitality venues, housing providers, and local attractions. Seasonal decorations, portable heaters, additional electrical loads, and reduced staffing all create potential hazards. 

1. Electrical Safety

• Avoid overloading plug sockets with multiple sets of lights. 

• Only use commercial-grade lighting in public-facing areas. 

• Ensure PAT testing is up to date for all electrical items. 

2. Safe Decoration Placement

• Keep decorations away from emergency exits, fire alarms, and sprinkler heads. 

• Use flame-retardant decorations where possible. 

• Ensure Christmas trees do not obstruct escape routes. 

3. Fire Risk Assessments

Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed if your site layout, decorations, or seasonal activities alter fire risks. Temporary changes—such as extra stock, festive displays, or electrical equipment—can impact escape routes and ignition risks. 

4. Fire Extinguishers & Emergency Lighting

Ensure fire extinguishers are serviced and accessible, and test that emergency lighting is functioning correctly—particularly important for premises hosting events or increased visitor traffic. 

5. Staff Training

Seasonal staff, temporary contractors, or new shift workers must receive fire safety training. Everyone should know: 

• How to raise the alarm 

• Where to evacuate 

• What hazards to look out for 

Stay Safe This Christmas with Fire Guard Services 

Whether you’re preparing your home for the holidays or decorating your workplace for staff and visitors, a little extra vigilance goes a long way. Fire Guard Services is here to help with expert support across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, London, and Northamptonshire. 

From fire risk assessments and alarms to extinguishers, safety training, emergency lighting, and more, our team ensures your environment is safe, compliant, and protected throughout the festive season. 

If you’d like help keeping your property safe this Christmas, get in touch with our friendly team today.