A safe Advent season: nine tips from the fire brigade
Cosy evenings with biscuits and candlelight: Advent is a time for contemplation. To ensure that this is not overshadowed by fires caused by carelessness, the Chemnitz fire brigade urges people to handle candles and open fires with care. This can prevent fire brigade operations during the dark season and especially during the Christmas period.
Simple tips help to prevent fires:
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 that children cannot reach. 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.
Extinguish candles on Advent wreaths and flower arrangements in good time before they burn down: Fir greenery dries out over time and becomes a fire hazard.
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 you light real candles, have an appropriate extinguishing agent (bucket of water, fire extinguisher, fire extinguishing spray) ready.
Only use functionally safe objects for burning incense candles; these must be fitted with a non-flammable holder for the incense candles. Glass coasters are unsuitable for incense candles. They can shatter due to high heat stresses and the hot embers will be on the flammable tablecloth, for example.
When using pyramids, make sure that the drive runs smoothly and that there is sufficient distance between the wings and the tip of the candle flame.
Ensure that Christmas articles involving open flames or lights are kept at a sufficient distance from flammable materials and are not within the reach of children. This also applies to ignition devices such as matches or lighters.
If, despite all caution, a fire does start, it can be quickly smothered with a wet blanket. For your own safety, it is always advisable to call the fire brigade on 112.
So please take care when handling candles or other open fires and pay particular attention to your children and pets.
The Chemnitz City Fire Department wishes you a Merry Christmas with your families.