London Fire Brigade issues festive warning as candle fires spike

As the Christmas party season comes to an end, London Fire Brigade is warning Londoners to be wary of the dangers of candles over the festive period.

Over the weekend, firefighters were called to a fire at a restaurant in Mayfair after sparklers set alight to Christmas decorations. The Brigade is warning that the fire risk is not limited to restaurants, pubs and other commercial premises, and is urging people to take extra care with naked flames around Christmas decorations in the home.

The warning comes after new data reveals candle fires have risen year on year since 2019, peaking over the Christmas and New Year period. Over the past three years, firefighters have attended almost 200 candle-related fires in December and January, with fears these numbers could soar in the coming weeks due to reports of people stockpiling candles.

The Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Charlie Pugsley said: “Fires can cause devastation all year round, but this is heightened around Christmas with families potentially left homeless and possessions destroyed. We want to ensure Londoners take every precaution to prevent fires from spoiling the festive period.

“Keep candles, indoor fireworks, open fires and heaters well away from any Christmas decorations. Decorations can easily fuel a fire and as Christmas trees dry out, they can burn quickly and cause flames to spread in seconds.

“With the rising cost of energy bills, we know some people will be turning towards candles for lighting instead of electricity. Consider using battery-powered, flameless LED candles instead, which are safe even if you fall asleep. Whilst they may cost more upfront than traditional candles, they will last considerably longer, giving you better value for money.

“If you do choose to use traditional candles ensure you place them in a heat-resistant holder, on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over and away from materials that could catch fire. Never leave them unattended around your home, take particular care with children and pets and blow them out properly before you go to bed.”

The Brigade is also urging people to ensure they know their escape plan and to carry out a pre-Christmas fire safety check.

Assistant Commissioner Pugsley added: “Whether you’re spending Christmas at home, or away with friends or family, take some time to carry out a few simple checks to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

“The Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker can guide you around your home and provide you with specific advice to reduce fire risks.”

Firefighters’ Christmas Safety Tips

• Keep candles away from Christmas trees, curtains or anything else that could catch fire and don’t leave them burning unattended.
• Check your Christmas tree lights conform with safety standards and always switch them off before going to bed.
• Don’t attach decorations to lights or heaters – they can overheat and catch fire.
• Make sure you have a fire escape plan and share this with everyone in your household and any guests staying over Christmas.
• Don’t leave cooking unattended, it’s safer to take pans off the heat and turn the hob, oven or grill off.
• Make sure new electrical appliances have a British or European safety mark when you buy them.
• Don’t overload plug sockets.
• Test your smoke alarms and make sure they are working.  Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen – this will detect an increase in temperature caused by fire, but not be set off by cooking fumes.
• If you smoke over the Christmas make sure you don’t get distracted and ensure cigarettes are extinguished properly.