Christmas - High Season for Fires
2025-12-08 Academic News
Christmas is a time of light, warmth and coziness. At the same time, this time of year can be more risky than safe for many. December is the month when more people die in fires than during the other months of the year. Over eighty percent of those who die in fires die in house fires.
This makes fire safety at home absolutely crucial, and we cannot take the risk lightly - even though the coverage of smoke detectors is often high.
💡 Sources
In 2024, six people died in fires in December, which corresponded to almost 20 percent of all deaths that year. (DSB↗). A total of 35 people died in fires in Norway in 2024, according to DSB↗’s latest annual report.
Simple steps that can save lives
- Test your smoke detector right away. A working smoke detector is the single most important factor in surviving a house fire.
- Be careful when cooking. Many fires start on the stove. Don’t leave pots on the stove and unplug electrical appliances that are not in use.
- Use candles wisely. Place candles on safe surfaces, away from curtains and decorations. Always extinguish them before leaving the room.
- Have fire extinguishers readily available. A fire blanket or powder extinguisher can stop a fire in its early stages.
- Check electrical installations and Christmas lights. Frayed wires or overloaded outlets can become dangerous when we add extra electricity use with Christmas decorations.
Advice for the workplace
Christmas also increases the risk in workplaces. Many office spaces and warehouses are empty for part of the holiday. This makes it extra important that the fire alarm system works. A simple test before the holiday increases safety.
- Avoid overuse of extension cords and electrical decorations.
- Flammable materials must be placed with care and never close to heaters or electrical equipment.
- Make sure employees know where fire extinguishers are and how to use them.
A well-informed work environment is a safer environment.
Prevention makes a difference
We know that prevention makes a real difference (DSB↗). Many fires can be stopped before they develop into serious incidents, and the risk of injury and death is significantly reduced when you plan and think about safety in advance.
It’s not just about having equipment in place, but about being aware of how to handle light, heat and electrical appliances.
When prevention becomes part of everyday life, both at home and at work, we see that the risk of fire decreases and safety increases.
Christmas should be safe and happy. 🎅🏻
A small effort can save lives.
