Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year – a season filled with warmth, togetherness, and festive cheer. Whether you’re hosting a small family get-together or welcoming dozens of guests for a Christmas Day celebration, the last thing you want is for your holiday to be ruined by a preventable fire.

The combination of cooking, candles, fairy lights, heating, and extra foot traffic all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the festive season. In fact, UK Fire and Rescue Services often report a spike in domestic incidents throughout December, many of which occur during Christmas gatherings.

So, what fire safety precautions should you take to keep your home – or business premises – safe during Christmas holiday gatherings? Let’s take a look.

1. Check All Smoke Alarms in Advance

Before any guests arrive, test all your smoke alarms and heat detectors to ensure they’re working. Replace batteries if needed and make sure alarms are installed in key locations, such as the kitchen, hallways, and near sleeping areas.

For commercial properties or venues, regular alarm testing and inspection should already be part of your fire safety plan – but double-checking ahead of a Christmas event is always wise.

2. Don’t Leave Cooking Unattended

The kitchen is the heart of many holiday celebrations – but it’s also the most common source of domestic fires in the UK. With multiple dishes on the go, guests popping in and out, and distractions all around, it’s all too easy to leave a hob or oven unattended.

Tips for safer cooking:

• Never leave pans unattended on the hob

• Keep tea towels and packaging away from open flames

• Avoid wearing loose clothing near gas hobs

• Ensure children are supervised and kept out of cooking areas

• Keep a fire blanket or appropriate fire extinguisher nearby

If using deep fat fryers, be extra cautious – they’re a leading cause of serious kitchen fires.

3. Keep Candles Under Control

Candles add atmosphere to any festive setting, but they’re also a top cause of house fires in winter. If you do use candles:

• Place them in stable holders away from curtains, cards, and decorations

• Never leave them unattended, especially if children or pets are around

• Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving the room

• Consider LED alternatives for a safer, flame-free glow

4. Use Fairy Lights and Decorations Responsibly

Fairy lights and festive decorations can become a fire hazard if not used with care. Before switching them on:

• Check for damaged wires, cracked plugs, or overheating

• Only use lights with the British Standard or CE mark

• Avoid overloading plug sockets or running multiple extensions

• Keep flammable decorations like tinsel and paper well away from heat sources or naked flames

If you’re decorating a commercial venue or workplace, make sure all lights and electrical displays have been PAT tested and are suitable for use in public spaces.

5. Don’t Block Fire Exits or Escape Routes

When hosting a large gathering, furniture may be rearranged or decorations added – but it’s crucial not to block doorways, corridors, or stairs. In the event of a fire, everyone should be able to exit quickly and safely.

This is especially important for:

• Care homes and assisted living settings

• Community halls and commercial venues

• Multi-storey houses or flats

Make sure you and your guests are aware of the fastest and safest route out, and keep keys for front or back doors easily accessible at all times.

6. Avoid Smoking Indoors

If any of your guests smoke, provide a designated outdoor area with a safe, stable ashtray. Smoking indoors – particularly near soft furnishings or decorations – significantly increases the risk of fire. Ensure all cigarette ends are properly extinguished and not discarded near bins or plant pots.

7. Keep Portable Heaters Away from Guests and Decorations

Portable heaters and open fires may help warm your guests, but they also present risks. Never:

• Leave heaters unattended while in use

• Place them near curtains, furniture or decorations

• Use them to dry clothes or towels

• Allow guests to sit too close, especially children or elderly individuals

Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and make sure all guests are aware of basic safety.

8. Be Prepared with the Right Fire Safety Equipment

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Having basic fire safety equipment on hand can prevent a small incident from turning into a disaster.

Ensure you have:

• A working fire extinguisher (water or CO2 depending on room type)

• A fire blanket in the kitchen

• Accessible and clearly marked escape routes

• Knowledge of how to use extinguishers safely if needed

If you run a business or manage a venue, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure fire safety measures are in place – including up-to-date fire risk assessments and extinguisher servicing.

We can help with that. At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK, we provide expert servicing and supply of extinguishers across a range of settings, from residential properties to large commercial premises.

9. Dispose of Rubbish and Recycling Safely

Christmas gatherings can produce a lot of rubbish – especially wrapping paper, cardboard, and packaging. Keep these materials well away from heat sources or candles, and dispose of them as soon as possible.

Avoid piling boxes or bags near heaters, radiators or open flames.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Safely This Christmas

Christmas is a time to make memories – not emergency calls. With just a bit of forward planning and a focus on safety, you can enjoy your festive gatherings with complete peace of mind.

Whether you’re hosting at home or managing a business venue, make fire safety part of your Christmas checklist. And if you’re unsure about the condition of your extinguishers or need expert support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and fire-free festive season.