Predicted rise in Derbyshire house fires this December

A predicted rise in the number of accidental house fires Derbyshire firefighters will attend this December has led to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) issuing home fire safety advice and a call for everyone across Derbyshire to follow our simple fire safety advice to prevent a fire in the home.

December brings many additional fire hazards to the home such as festive candles, Christmas lights, busy kitchens, and with temperatures dropping, open fires and portable heaters. These additional risks together with historical data taken from fires that have taken place across Derbyshire have allowed the Service to predict a rise in accidental house fires this December.  

Area Manager Clive Stanbrook said: “We want everyone to live safely in their homes, free from the risk of a fire, but sadly we know from our data that around 36 people living in Derbyshire will experience a house fire this December.

“No one should ever experience the devastating consequences of a fire in the home. During the three months from July to September this year, the Service attended 98 accidental house fires with nine people hospitalised due to their injuries and tragically two people losing their lives. This is why we really need people to follow our advice and take our prediction seriously.

“There are many simple things that everyone can do to reduce the chances of a fire in the home, so please take a few minutes to read our easy-to-follow advice and keep you and your family safe from the devastating consequences of a fire in the home.”  

Home Fire Safety Advice
DIY Home Fire Safety Check: DFRS is encouraging people to complete an online home fire safety check for themselves and their loved ones.

By taking 15 minutes to complete the online form and answering a few simple questions, you will get fire safety advice specific to your household as well as tips to keep you and your family safe. #15MinutestoSaveaLife

Fitting/Testing Smoke Alarms: Only working smoke alarms can give you and your family early warning of a fire in the home, allowing everyone the time to get out, stay out and call 999. 

Ensure you have working smoke alarms fitted; at least one on each level of the home, and ensure you test them weekly to ensure they are working. #TestitTuesday

Cooking: Over 50% of all accidental house fires in Derbyshire start in the kitchen, so this is a high-risk area and can be full of distractions.

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Many of us enjoy a merry tipple over the festive season, avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol.
• Always turn off kitchen appliances when you have finished cooking.
• Keep tea towels and other flammable materials, including wrapping paper, away from the hob.
• Keep children and pets away from pans and hobs.

Candle Safety: More than 15,000 candle fires are reported nationally each year. We recommend people use battery powered candles and eliminate the risk of a candle fire.

If you must use traditional candles, ensure:

• They are placed away from flammable materials such as curtains and soft furnishings, decorations, wrapping paper and Christmas cards.
• Ensure they are on a stable, heat resistant surface.
• They are out of reach of children and pets. 
• You extinguish your candle when you go to bed or leave the house.  

Decorations: Avoid overloading sockets with Christmas decorations. Ensure only one plug per socket and always turn off plugs when they are not in use, except those that are designed to be left on, like freezers.

Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in good working order before use. Always turn off Christmas lights before you leave the house or go to bed.

If you’re putting up outdoor decorations, then always use an RCD (residual current device). This safety device can save lives by instantly switching off the power if there is a fault and can be found in any DIY store.

Heating your home: Check your heating appliances are in good working order and not subject to a product recall by checking the Office for Product Safety and Standards website for any alerts. 

If possible do not skip servicing of boilers and gas appliances by a Gas Safe engineer to prevent gas leaks and CO poisoning.  If you’re a homeowner check your energy provider’s website for information about their Priority Services Register – If you’re eligible they often offer a free annual gas safety check along with other support. Landlords must arrange for an annual gas safety check in rented accommodation. 

Ensure you use the correct fuel for wood-burning stoves and open fires.  

Only use conventional heating equipment. Do not be tempted to follow dangerous social media trends for heating or lighting your home. 

Escape routes: Have an escape plan that everyone in your home is aware of. Ensure escape routes are clear from clutter and other items such as portable heaters and Christmas decorations.

For more advice on how to stay fire safe, visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk