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Editor:
Presscouncil City of Chemnitz
Pressrelease: 761

A peaceful Advent season in safety: tips from the Chemnitz fire brigade

The Advent and Christmas season is above all a time for contemplation at home with the family, and candles on Advent wreaths and Christmas trees are a must. However, the potential danger posed by real candles is still underestimated.

In addition to high property damage, such fires can also cause personal injury in the worst-case scenario. It only takes 20 seconds for a dry Christmas tree to be fully engulfed in flames. After 90 seconds, the flames have already consumed it and spread to the surrounding area. The safest method is therefore to use LED candles with a safety certificate.

The Chemnitz fire brigade has ten tips to ensure that the Advent and Christmas season with its twinkling lights and candlelight is safe:

  • Never leave candles burning unattended - especially if children are present. Carelessness is the number one cause of fire!
  • Even if you use them more often than usual and want to have them to hand: keep matches and lighters in a childproof place.
  • Do not place candles near flammable objects (wrapping paper, curtains) or in a place with strong draughts.
  • Candles should always be placed in a stable, non-flammable holder.
  • Light candles on the Christmas tree from top to bottom; extinguish them in reverse order.
  • Extinguish candles on Advent wreaths and on the Christmas tree in good time before they burn down: Fir greenery dries out over time and becomes a fire hazard.
  • If you light real candles, have a suitable extinguishing agent (bucket of water, fire extinguisher) ready.
  • With electric fairy lights, make sure that sockets are not overloaded. The electric candles should bear a seal of approval that complies with VDE regulations.
  • If there is a fire, only try to extinguish the flames if this is possible without endangering yourself. Otherwise, close the door to the fire room if possible, leave the home (with your family) and call the fire brigade on 112.
  • Smoke alarms in the home greatly reduce the risk of a fire spreading unnoticed by sounding the alarm in good time. These little lifesavers are available from specialist retailers at favourable prices.