‘Celebrate Safely’ - that is the message from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to communities across South Wales this festive season.

Electrical fires account for a large majority of accidental fires in South Wales, especially in the lead up to and the period over the Christmas season and during other celebratory times of the year. In 2010, of the 801 dwelling fires in South Wales 195 of these were electrical fires.

Huw Jakeway, Chief Fire Officer, South Wales Fire and Recue Service explains;

“There is an ever increasing diversity in the communities of South Wales that has led to more celebrations and holidays where decorations and naked flames are used. Block adaptors are also utilised around these times to accommodate lights and extra equipment”. 

“During the festive season, people will have decorations, use more electrical appliances, have more visitors and may be smoking and drinking alcohol at home,” according to CFO Huw Jakeway.  “The message from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is to be aware of the risks, take extra care and celebrate safely.”

Key festive fire safety points: 

- Test your smoke alarms each week and never remove batteries to use in children’s toys.

- Ensure all plugs are fitted with the correct fuses, the plugs are wired correctly and that the wiring is not worn or damaged in any way

- Do not overload electrical sockets

- Always switch Christmas lights off and unplug them when they are not being used, and before going out or to bed

- Never leave cooking unattended – always turn off cooker when you leave the kitchen. 

- Do not cook when intoxicated – alcohol can seriously affect your judgement

- Do not used decorative lights designed for use indoors outside, even if they appear sheltered from the weather

- Never leave burning candles unattended or placed near the Christmas tree, furniture or curtains

- Decorations burn very easily – never attach them to lights or heaters

- Check that any cigarettes have been completely stubbed out

- Keep Christmas cards, stockings, presents, decorations and discarded wrapping paper well away from open fireplaces and heaters

- Keep real Christmas trees away from fires and other heat sources as they are highly combustible, particularly as they dry out

- Plan an escape route in the event of a fire and make sure all guests know where the doors and window keys are kept

The Service will also be targeting the most ‘vulnerable’ and at risk of having electrical fire in the home over the festive season with additional ‘Home Safety Health Check’ packs.  These will contain extra information and messages reminding those people to be aware of the risks and take extra care at all times. 

The ‘Home Safety Health Check’ packs and information will also concentrate on reminding individuals to test their smoke detectors and electrical items throughout the home on a regular basis.