Introduction
The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it also brings unique challenges for Fire and Rescue Services across England. In December 2023, emergency callouts surged, with 1,530 incidents recorded nationwide. Greater London reported the highest number of incidents, accounting for 395 responses, significantly surpassing other regions.
Regional Breakdown of Incidents
Fire-related emergencies varied across different regions, with some areas experiencing higher callout rates than others. Below is a summary of recorded incidents across major regions:
| Region | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Greater London | 395 |
| Greater Manchester | 72 |
| Devon and Somerset | 62 |
| Hampshire and Isle of Wight | 60 |
| Merseyside | 59 |
Greater London saw approximately 11 times the national average of fire-related incidents, emphasizing the heightened risks in densely populated urban areas during the Christmas period.
Breakdown of Incident Types in Greater London
A detailed analysis of incidents in Greater London reveals the following distribution:
| Incident Type | Number of Incidents |
| False Alarms | 186 |
| Non-Fire Incidents | 174 |
| Dwelling Fires | 13 |
| Secondary Fires | 10 |
| Other Building Fires | 5 |
| Road Vehicle Fires | 2 |
False Alarms
False alarms accounted for nearly half of all incidents in Greater London. These were further categorized as:
- Due to Apparatus (159 cases) – Malfunctioning fire detection systems.
- Good Intent (25 cases) – Alarms triggered with genuine concern but no actual fire.
- Malicious (2 cases) – Deliberate false reports.
Non-Fire Incidents
Non-fire emergencies, totaling 174, included:
- Rescue operations.
- Hazardous material incidents.
- Flood assistance and other emergency responses.
Specific Hazards During the Festive Season
The Christmas period introduces additional fire hazards, particularly related to decorations, lighting, and cooking.
Christmas Tree-Related Incidents
Over the past six years, 61 callouts were associated with Christmas tree-related fires. Common causes include:
- Candle-Related Fires – Open flames igniting decorations.
- Faulty Fairy Lights – Electrical malfunctions leading to overheating and fire.
- Ignition by Sparklers – Decorative sparklers setting trees ablaze.
Cooking-Related Incidents
Cooking-related fire incidents accounted for 85 emergency calls during the same period. Leading causes included:
- Inappropriate Use of Appliances – Placing foil inside microwaves, leading to sparks and fires.
- Negligence Due to Fatigue – Falling asleep while cooking, leading to unattended flames and overheating.
Fire Safety Recommendations for the Holiday Season
To minimize fire risks, the following precautions should be taken:
Electrical Decorations
- Unplug decorations when unattended to prevent overheating.
- Inspect lights and cables for damage before use.
Kitchen Safety
- Keep cooking areas free of flammable items such as paper towels and oven mitts.
- Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying or grilling.
General Fire Safety
- Ensure smoke alarms are functional by testing them regularly.
- Educate household members on fire safety procedures and emergency evacuation plans.
Conclusion
The Christmas period brings heightened fire risks due to increased indoor activities, festive decorations, and cooking incidents. By taking proactive safety measures, households can significantly reduce the likelihood of fire-related emergencies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all.