Christmas is a time of celebration, with homes and businesses across the UK decking the halls, hosting gatherings, and preparing festive meals. However, while the season brings joy, it also comes with a sharp increase in fire risks. From overloaded plug sockets and open flames to dry Christmas trees and busy kitchens, it’s easy to see why December is one of the most common months for domestic fires.

Amid all the excitement, one essential safety precaution is often overlooked – the accessibility of fire extinguishers. Whether you’re preparing your home for family and friends, or getting your business ready for the festive rush, having fire extinguishers easily accessible is a simple but crucial step that could save lives.

So why exactly is it so important to ensure fire extinguishers are within reach over Christmas?

1. Fire Risks Increase During the Festive Season

Christmas brings with it several additional fire hazards that simply don’t exist at other times of the year. These include:

• Fairy lights and electrical decorations

• Overcrowded plug sockets and extension leads

• Candles and tealights

• Heaters and open fires

• Real Christmas trees drying out indoors

• High volumes of cooking and baking

• Flammable wrapping paper, decorations and packaging

With these risks in mind, it’s essential that you’re not only alert to fire dangers but also properly equipped to deal with them should something go wrong.

2. A Quick Response Can Prevent a Catastrophe

Fires can start and spread in seconds. In those critical early moments, having a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach can make all the difference between a small, controllable incident and a devastating blaze.

If a pan catches fire in the kitchen or an electrical fault causes decorations to ignite, the ability to respond immediately – without needing to run to a cupboard or behind clutter – is vital. Remember: it’s not just about having a fire extinguisher, it’s about knowing where it is and being able to access it fast.

3. Guests and Visitors May Not Know Your Home or Premises

During the Christmas holidays, it’s common to have friends, relatives, or even tenants staying who aren’t familiar with your property layout. Similarly, if you operate a business such as a pub, café, retail shop, or hotel, you may see an influx of customers and seasonal staff who are unfamiliar with the building.

By keeping extinguishers clearly visible and unblocked, you ensure that anyone – not just you – can find them quickly in an emergency.

4. Emergency Services May Be Stretched Over Christmas

While the UK’s emergency services remain on call 24/7, it’s no secret that December is one of their busiest periods. Cold weather, an increase in road traffic incidents, and seasonal fire risks all contribute to pressure on the system.

This makes early intervention with a fire extinguisher even more important. If you can control or contain a fire while waiting for the fire brigade to arrive, you may significantly reduce damage and danger.

5. Legal Obligations for Businesses

If you operate a business, especially one open to the public, fire extinguisher accessibility is not optional – it’s a legal requirement.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all UK businesses to:

• Provide suitable fire-fighting equipment

• Keep it in clearly marked, accessible locations

• Ensure it is regularly maintained and tested

• Train staff in how to use it

Failing to comply can result in fines, insurance complications, or worse, avoidable harm to life and property. With increased footfall and fire risk during Christmas, this responsibility becomes even more important.

6. Extinguishers Are Only Effective If They Can Be Reached

It may sound obvious, but it’s worth stating: a fire extinguisher that’s hidden behind furniture, locked in a storage cupboard, or buried under boxes is effectively useless in an emergency.

Over the festive period, it’s common to rearrange furniture, put up temporary décor, or store gifts and supplies – all of which can unintentionally block access to safety equipment. Make it a priority to check that all extinguishers are:

• Visible and clearly signed

• Easy to reach without obstruction

• At an appropriate height

• In working condition with a valid service date

7. Peace of Mind for a Safer Celebration

Ultimately, Christmas is about enjoying time with loved ones – and that’s far easier when you know your home or business is properly prepared. Just as you’d check the oven, decorate the tree, and buy presents, adding a quick fire extinguisher check to your seasonal checklist ensures you’ve done everything you can to create a safe and happy environment.

Even a single extinguisher in the right place can give you the confidence to act quickly and appropriately if something goes wrong.

Need Help Checking or Servicing Your Fire Extinguishers?

At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK, we’re here to help you stay fire-safe not only at Christmas but all year round. We provide:

• Professional fire extinguisher servicing

• New extinguisher supply and installation

• Compliance checks for businesses

• Friendly expert advice tailored to your property

If your extinguishers haven’t been checked in the last 12 months, or you’re unsure whether you’re compliant, now’s the perfect time to get in touch.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fire Safety Take a Back Seat

While it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, fire safety should never be pushed to the side – especially when risk levels are higher than usual. By ensuring fire extinguishers are accessible, visible, and ready for use, you’re taking a simple but essential step in protecting your home, guests, staff, or customers.

Stay safe, stay prepared – and have a wonderful, fire-safe Christmas from all of us at Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK.