Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, lights twinkling on the tree, and candles burning in the window are not just staples of Christmas songs: they’re an essential part of the holiday season for many.
However, the things that make many homes merry and bright can come with an increased risk of fire, due to the widespread use of candles, fireplaces, and multiple strands of lights in homes across Canada.
With dry trees, decorations, and flammable materials around, even a small open flame can quickly escalate into a dangerous fire. According to Statistics Canada, open flame is one of the two leading causes of residential fires, behind only cooking equipment. Further, home fires accounted for three-quarters of the 202 fire-related deaths in the country in 2021.
“A little caution goes a long way,” says Gareth Jones, president and CEO of the Canada Safety Council. “Taking the time to secure open flames and adopt safe practices can prevent tragedy and allow families to enjoy a safe holiday season.”
Place candles carefully: Keep candles in non-flammable holders and away from combustible items, including curtains and holiday décor. Extinguish them when leaving the room or before bed. You can also consider using battery-operated candles instead of traditional ones: this reduces the risk of fire while still retaining that ambient glow.
Practise fireplace safety: If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, use a screen to contain sparks, never leave a fire unattended, and ensure the fire is fully out before going to bed. It is also a good idea to arrange for an annual chimney cleaning if you are using a wood-burning fireplace, as creosote build-up is a common cause of chimney fires.
Water your Christmas tree: If you are using a real tree, be aware that a dry Christmas tree can ignite in seconds. Water it daily to reduce flammability; if you’re unable to keep it hydrated over the holidays, consider getting an artificial tree. Whatever kind of tree you have, place it away from heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters.
Inspect holiday lights: After you’re hauled the box of decorations in from the garage, check all light strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs, and recycle any that are damaged. Avoid overloading outlets or power bars, which can lead to electrical fires, and ensure that any lights you are using outside are weatherproof and rated for outdoor use.
Keep a fire extinguisher accessible (and know how to use it): Have a fire extinguisher near areas with open flames, such as the kitchen or fireplace. Familiarize yourself with its use and check it regularly.
Take care in the kitchen: Preparing holiday meals often includes an increased use of stove tops, ovens, and other kitchen appliances, all of which can lead to kitchen fires if they are not carefully managed. Never leave cooking or baking unattended, and use timers as reminders to check your dishes when they’re done. Keep flammable items, like dish towels and oven mitts, away from heat sources, and ensure that your cooking area is well-ventilated. Turn the handles of pots and pans away from the front of the stove top, to prevent them accidentally getting knocked over, and keep pets and small children out of the kitchen while you’re cooking.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Functional alarms are critical lifesaving tools. Test them regularly, replace batteries twice a year, and ensure you have at least one installed on every floor and outside each sleeping area.
Supervise children and pets: Kids and pets are often drawn to the allure of open flames, so it’s essential to supervise them closely. Establish a “kid-free zone” around fireplaces, stoves, and candles to prevent accidental contact, and keep burning candles out of reach.
