The holidays can be a time of rest and relaxation, but don’t let your guard down when it comes to fire safety in your home. Lights, trees, candles, and fireplaces are all possible sources of ignition.
The crew from King Fire and Emergency Services is sharing answers to frequently asked questions about fire prevention – read their tips to ensure your holiday season is a safe and happy one.
Q: How can I prevent a house fire if I’m away on vacation?
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are in working condition before leaving for vacation.
- Taking the time to unplug appliances, like televisions, chargers, computers, space heaters, Christmas lights and, can go a long way in not only preventing home fires while on vacation, but also lowering your electrical bill.
- Ask a trusted neighbour to stay alert and keep an eye on your home while you are away.
Q: Are holiday lights a fire hazard, and how should I use them safely?
- Yes, faulty lights can pose a risk. Ensure lights and wiring are in good condition, don't overload circuits, and turn them off when you leave the home or go to bed to reduce the risk of fire.
Q: Can you string too many Christmas light strands together?
- Yes! The number of light strings that can be run in series is limited by the types of bulbs, how much power they use, the length of the strings and the type/gauge of wire used.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and specifications for both indoor and outdoor Christmas lights.
Q: What precautions should I take when using a fireplace during the holidays?
- Before lighting a fire, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified professional.
- Use a screen to prevent sparks, and never leave a fire unattended.
- Keep decorations like stockings and other flammable items at a safe distance.
Q: Are real or artificial Christmas trees safer in terms of fire risk?
- Both can be safe if proper precautions are taken.
- For real trees, be sure to give your tree a fresh cut before placing it in the stand and then water immediately. You may need to refill the stand multiple times during the first few days as the tree can absorb a lot of water initially. Continue to water daily to prevent the tree from drying out.
- Artificial trees should be made of flame-retardant materials and check for CSA approved safety certifications.
- For both types of trees, remember to always turn off the tree lights when leaving the house or going to bed and keep them at least 1-metre away from any heat source.
Q: How should I handle holiday cooking to avoid kitchen fires?
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep flammable items away from the stove and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Cook and drink responsibly.
Q: What should I know about using candles safely during the holidays?
- Keep candles in sturdy holders, away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.
- Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative for decorating.
- Always extinguish candles before you leave the room or go to bed.
Q: Are there fire safety considerations for holiday parties and gatherings?
- Yes! Keep exits clear, avoid overcrowding, and remind guests of safe smoking habits, location of exits, and your outside meeting place.
- Ensure candles are in sturdy, non-combustible holders and kept out of reach from children and pets.
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order and designate a person responsible for monitoring potential fire hazards.
- Plan ahead; arrange for overnight guests, designated drivers or a cab/uber ride home.
Q: How can I involve my family in holiday fire safety practices?
- Conduct a family fire escape drill, discuss escape routes, two ways out of every room, the location of your outside meeting place and educate everyone, including holiday guests on fire safety rules in your home.
- Encourage responsible behaviour with candles, tree lights, and decorations, making safety a shared responsibility during the festive season.
In case of a smoke or fire emergency, call 911.
King Township has fire houses in all three villages: King City (2045 King Rd.), Nobleton (5926 King Rd.) and Schomberg (91 Proctor Rd.). Learn more about King’s firefighting team at king.ca/fire.
Fire burn permits for open air burning
Fire burn permit renewals come into effect as of January 1, 2024, and permits will be available for purchase starting January 2. For information about burn permits, visit king.ca/burninginking.