Boligfritid.dk is a Danish magazine for homeowners. This English version is written for international residents in Denmark. Read the original in Danish.
December is the month when the fire service is called out to the most fires in Danish homes. Lit candles, dry Christmas trees and a busy kitchen make a dangerous mix. The good news is that most Christmas fires can be prevented with a few simple habits. Here is our guide to a fire-safe Christmas.
In brief
- In the years 2020–2024 the fire service put out an average of 289 fires in private homes in December. That is around 25% more than in an average month (Beredskabsstyrelsen, the Danish Emergency Management Agency).
- Never leave a room with lit candles.
- Keep the Christmas tree fresh with water every day. A dried-out tree can burn fiercely in a very short time.
- Test your smoke alarms before Christmas gets under way.
Candles: the most important rules
- Never leave lit candles unattended, not even “just for a moment”.
- Use self-extinguishing candles or candle collars in the advent wreath and in decorations, so the candle does not burn down into the spruce and moss.
- Keep your distance from curtains, paper decorations and anything else that can catch fire. Place candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Put candles on a stable, non-flammable surface, and avoid draughts from windows and doors that make the flame flicker.
- Blow out all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.
Consider electric candles, especially on the Christmas tree and in decorations where the flame is close to spruce. Modern LED candles flicker almost like real ones, and they do not get hot. Read more in our guide to Christmas lights.
The Christmas tree: keep it fresh
- Keep the tree outside until it is time to bring it in.
- Use a tree stand that holds water, and top it up every day.
- Place the tree away from the wood-burning stove, radiators and candles.
- If you have real candles on the tree, use self-extinguishing candles and position them so there is free air above the flame.
- Keep a bucket of water and a cloth, or a 2 kg powder extinguisher, next to the tree when the candles are lit.
The kitchen: watch out for fat fires
Christmas food means pots and pans on every hob. Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking, and turn off the cooker when you walk away from it.
If a pan of fat catches fire
- Never use water. Water on burning fat can make the flames explode up towards the ceiling.
- Smother the fire with a lid or a fire blanket, and turn off the heat.
- Leave the lid on until the pan has cooled down.
Have the equipment ready
| Equipment | Why | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke alarm | Wakes you up if there is a fire at night | At least one on every floor, ideally in the hallway by the bedrooms. Test them before Christmas |
| Fire blanket | Smothers fat fires and small fires | Visible in the kitchen, close to the exit |
| Powder extinguisher (2 kg) | For smaller fires where the blanket is not enough | Easy to reach, e.g. in the hallway or kitchen |
| Plant mister or watering can | Can often put out an advent wreath or decoration that has caught fire | Next to the wreath |
If you have a wood-burning stove, also see our rules and firing tips for your wood-burning stove (in Danish). And do not leave phones, e-bikes or other battery-powered items charging overnight in places where a fire could spread; read about fires in small battery products (in Danish).
If there is a fire
- Get everyone out, and close the door to the room where the fire is.
- Call 1-1-2.
- Only try to put the fire out yourself if it is small and you can do so without danger.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there more fires in December?
We light many more candles, cook more, and there are more decorations and more spruce in the home. The combination leads to more fires than in the rest of the year.
Are electric lights on the Christmas tree safer than real candles?
Yes, electric lights have no open flame. Use light strings in good condition, and switch them off when you go to bed.
How often should the smoke alarm be tested?
Test it regularly, for example once a month, and always before a period with lots of lit candles, such as December. Change the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sources
- Bolius: 9 good tips for avoiding fire at Christmas (in Danish) (Beredskabsstyrelsen’s figures for fires in December 2020–2024).
- Beredskabsstyrelsen: brs.dk (statistics and advice on fire prevention).
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