Fire Safety at Christmas

Christmas decorations and candles can be a hazard. To help you stay safe this festive season, Dublin Fire Brigade shares its fire prevention and fire safety tips for Christmas.

Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees are safer than real ones as they are fire-resistant. When choosing an artificial tree, check for a genuine CE mark. This indicates that it meets expected European safety standards. (You can learn more on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's website.)

Christmas trees bought from reputable retailers will usually meet relevant standards. However, if you choose to buy online from an auction site or an unfamiliar company, you may compromise your consumer rights, your warranty and your safety. Online products don't always adhere to expected safety standards.

If you choose a real tree, make sure to use a base that allows for watering of the tree. This will keep the tree hydrated and greener, ensuring that it sheds less, lasts longer and is more resistant to fire.

When decorating your Christmas tree, use low-energy, low-heat LED Christmas tree lights. Never use candles on or near your Christmas tree.

When the festive season is over, be sure to dispose of your Christmas Tree at a recycling centre or designated drop-off point. Don't burn your tree in a fireplace or stove.

Christmas Lights

When decorating your home or workplace, use low-energy, low-heat LED lights wherever you can. Check that they have a genuine CE safety mark too.

Before putting lights up, check the wiring for fraying, kinks or broken connections. It's best to throw away the lights if you find any issues.

You should only use outdoor lights outside. They have a better Ingress Protection rating, which makes them resistant to damp and water. Make sure all the wires and connection you use are rated for outdoor use. Don’t pass wires through windows as this will damage the cable and possibly your window.

Finally, when plugging in you Christmas lights, don’t overload sockets and avoid the use of extension leads. Unplug everything when you go to bed or leave the house. Don’t use timer switches.

Candles

Candles pose a fire safety risk any time of year. Try to opt for reusable LED candles over real ones. However, if you choose to use real candles, ensure they are placed in a holder at least one metre from anything flammable. You should also ensure they are placed out of reach of children and pets.

Don’t place the candle holder on a television or surfaces that are made of plastic or fibreglass. Choose a fire-resistant surface instead. Never leave a candle burning when you leave a room - even just for a moment.

Fire Prevention Programmes

Making Dublin safe from fires and other emergencies is at the heart of what we do. Dublin Fire Brigade runs a number of fire safety programmes, including school visits and safety talks, which aim to get the community involved in the prevention of fires.

If you would like a fire officer to visit your community, school or workplace, please get in touch.