Christmas Fire Safety: How to Keep Your Home Safe

When you think of Christmas, festive lights, home-cooked food, and decorated living rooms spring to mind, but it’s also one of the busiest periods of the year for household fires. With homes full of visitors, electricals, extra heat sources, and seasonal furnishings, it’s easy for small hazards to slip under the radar.

Let’s take a look at the most common festive fire risks and how simple, practical steps can help keep your home safe throughout the season.

1. Overloaded Sockets & Daisy Chaining Extension Leads

With fairy lights, heaters, chargers, and kitchen appliances all in use, it’s easy to push sockets to their limits. And while tucking an extension lead under your tree skirt might look neat, it can be risky.

Why it matters:
Overloading sockets can lead to overheating, sparking, or electrical fires. In England, misuse of equipment or appliances accounted for around 29% of accidental dwelling fires in 2024/25.

How to stay safe:

• Stick to the 13 A rule per socket.

• Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads.

• Check plugs for warmth or damage.

• Switch off lights and appliances when not in use.

• Keep extension leads visible and ventilated; avoid hiding them under rugs or tree skirts.

Sources:

• Gov.uk: Detailed Analysis of Fires, England 2024–25

• Fireology: Common Causes of Household Fires in the UK

2. Old or Damaged Christmas Lights

Many homes reuse lights year after year, often passed down through generations. While sentimental, old or frayed lights can pose a serious fire risk.

Why it matters:
Faulty wiring or damaged bulbs can short-circuit and ignite nearby decorations. Electrical distribution fires remain a significant cause of dwelling fires in the UK.

How to stay safe:

• Replace worn or very old lights.

• Look for CE/UKCA safety markings.

• Keep lights away from flammable decorations.

• Do not overload sockets with multiple plug-in lights plus other electronics.

Sources:

• Fireology: Electrical Fire Safety

• Gov.uk: Fire Statistics, England

3. Dry Christmas Trees

A dry Christmas tree can be a stunning centrepiece, but it can also ignite extremely quickly.

Why it matters:
Dry needles, warm rooms, and constant lighting create fast-spreading flames. Soft furnishings, presents, and decorations around the tree can accelerate fire spread.

How to stay safe:

• Water the tree daily.

• Keep it at least 1 m from heaters, radiators, or open fires.

• Turn lights off before leaving the house or going to bed.

• Avoid placing flammable decorations or fabrics near the base.

Sources:

• Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service: December Fire Safety Tips

• Gov.uk: Fire Spread Data

4. Candles & Open Flames

Candles bring warmth and festive ambience, but they’re also a leading cause of fires during the holiday season.

Why it matters:
Decorations, curtains, and stockings can catch fire easily. Almost half of candle-related fire claims in December happen between Christmas Day and 30 December.

How to stay safe:

• Keep candles at least 1 m from anything flammable.

• Never leave candles burning unattended.

• Use sturdy candle holders on stable surfaces and out of reach of children.

• Consider flameless LED alternatives.

• Use a fireguard for fireplaces.

Sources:

• Direct Line: Christmas Candle Fire Claims

• Fireology: Candle & Fire Hazards

5. Busy Kitchens & Distracted Cooking

Christmas cooking can involve multiple pans, helpers, and distractions.

Why it matters:
Cooking fires are the leading cause of accidental dwelling fires in the UK, accounting for around 44% of incidents. Leaving pans unattended can lead to flames spreading to nearby flammable materials.

How to stay safe:

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or using hot oil.

• Don’t leave hot plates unattended.

• Keep flammable items (tea towels, decorations, paper) away from hobs.

• Avoid cooking if tired or after consuming alcohol.

• Keep a fire blanket or extinguisher handy.

Sources:

• Fireology: Cooking Fires in the UK

• Gov.uk: Accidental Dwelling Fires Data

6. Portable Heaters & Fireplaces

Heaters and fireplaces bring welcome warmth during winter, but they need careful attention.

Why it matters:
Items near heaters or open fires, such as curtains, soft furnishings, decorations, or clothing, can ignite quickly. In London, heating-related fires rose by 44% from late autumn to winter, with incidents often linked to electric or fan heaters.

How to stay safe:

• Maintain a 1 m clearance around heaters and fireplaces.

• Never dry clothes on or near heaters.

• Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Use a fireguard in front of fireplaces.

• Ensure chimneys and flues are cleaned regularly.

• Consider carbon monoxide detectors if using fuel-burning heaters.

• Use space heaters only if tested, in good condition, and placed safely.

Sources:

• London Fire Brigade: Heating Fires

• Gov.uk: Fire Spread Data

UK Christmas Fire Stats

• 53% more likely to have a fire on Christmas Day vs an average day (NFCC)

• December is the busiest month for house fires in England (DSFRS)

• 136,702 fires attended by FRSs in England in 2024 — over 38,000 were building-related (Gov.uk)

• Almost half of candle fire claims in December occur between 25–30 December (Direct Line)

How iMist Can Help

• In a 12-month period in England, there were over 38,000 building fires, and December is the peak month for risk. A functioning fire suppression system isn’t just “extra safety”, it’s peace of mind.

• iMist’s water mist system can help reduce the impact of fires caused by decorations, lights, candles, or overloaded sockets.

• Servicing your system, keeping nozzles clear, and following safe decorating habits give your home the best possible protection this festive season.