Stay safe from fire in Essex this Christmas
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging residents to avoid accidental fires
According to ECFRS, over the last three years, there's an average of five accidental house fires on Christmas Day alone, which is more than any other day in December.
The kitchen is the most common place for fires to start throughout the month and 34% of incidents occur through ovens.
Will Newman, Head of Prevention for ECFRS, explained one of the best prevention methods is not mixing alcohol with cooking.
He said: "The Christmas dinner takes many hours to cook but during that time we get distracted by many things going on within the household, and that's where those accidental fires happen.
"It's really important to make sure you don't drink alcohol while you're cooking, save that until all the hard work is done."
While most begin in the kitchen, 15% of fires in December are a result of electrical failures including overloaded sockets and faulty Christmas lights.
Will said it's important to check all fairy lights conform to the British standards and ensure they are turned off when we go to bed or leave the house.
Residents in tier two areas are also urged to stay safe on the roads if they're travelling to visit Christmas bubbles.
Will continued: "It's essential there is no drinking and driving, drive safely in your vehicles, make sure you're taking all the precautions and check the vehicle before making journeys.
"Drive safely and slowly, this year's been eventful to say the least, just take extra care on the roads over Christmas.
"We've had snow already this year but be prepared and take a little extra time."