The ANPI guide for safe end-of-year celebrations
The end-of-year holidays are synonymous with warmth, lights, and shared moments. However, the magic of Christmas is unfortunately accompanied by a significant increase in the risk of domestic fires, often linked to decorations, candles, and Christmas trees.
At ANPI, your fire safety partner in Belgium, our mission is to transform these risks into peace of mind. Discover our Christmas fire prevention guide to protect your home.
The christmas fire risk: the alarming figures
Christmas preparations are in full swing: tree, string lights, candles... But a tree that is too dry, a defective electrical decoration, or an unattended candle can turn the holiday magic into a real danger.
According to the latest report from the Directorate-General for Civil Security (2020), the national average time for the first firefighters to arrive at the scene of a fire is 11 minutes and 21 seconds.
However, an unwatered Christmas tree can become completely engulfed in flames in less than a minute... These figures underscore a crucial truth: fire prevention at home is your first and best defense.
Our "anti-fire checklist" for peaceful christmas holidays
We have summarized the right steps in an easy-to-follow list (
Checklist)! :
1. Choosing and maintaining the christmas tree
The tree is often the starting point for a fire:
- Natural tree: Choose a tree with a moist root ball. Water it regularly. Absolutely avoid trees that are already losing their needles: they are extremely flammable.
- Synthetic tree: Choose a fire-retardant or flame-resistant model that complies with European standards.
2. Placement and safety of decorations
Installation is essential to minimize risks:
- Stability and distance: Install the tree on a stable stand, far from any heat source (fireplace, radiator) and away from combustible materials (curtains, draperies).
- Electric string lights: Use only quality string lights. Check the condition of the wires (no fraying, no pinching). Avoid overloaded multi-socket adapters. Systematically turn off all string lights when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Candles: Never use real candles on or near the tree.
A well-chosen and well-maintained tree is the key to a safe celebration.
Smoke detectors: the essential protection
Since January 1, 2025, legislation mandates the installation of a smoke detector in every home in Brussels (Source: brusselstimes.com). Even though the legislation varies by region, the basic rule is the same: protect yourself.
Thanks to a BOSEC certified smoke detector, you are alerted immediately.
An uncertified or low-cost smoke detector offers no guarantee of functioning, which makes all the difference.
The alarm gives you the vital seconds to evacuate even before emergency services arrive.
