Fire crews prepare for Christmas and New Year with safety warnings
Firefighters share advice for preventing fires and accidents during the festive period
As the festive season approaches, fire crews in Swindon and Wiltshire are issuing guidance for staying safe this Christmas and New Year, while preparing to remain on duty to handle emergencies.
Fire safety during the holiday period remains a priority for emergency responders, as both house fires and road incidents tend to increase, especially in the winter weather or during celebrations.
Greg Izon, a firefighter in the local area, explained the risks of house fires during Christmas, particularly those related to cooking.
“We see an increase in cooking-related fires during this time – things like oven fires and kitchen fires. Some of these are avoidable. We advise you to maintain your ovens and cookers, keep them clean, and always stay in the kitchen while cooking,” Izon said.
He also highlighted the risks of drinking alcohol while cooking:
“We see instances where people have a few drinks, fall asleep, and wake up to a room full of smoke after leaving something on the hob. It’s vital to have working smoke alarms. They save lives by giving an early warning, allowing you to get out safely.”
Smoke alarms should be installed on every floor of the property, particularly in escape routes such as hallways and staircases.
When it comes to New Year’s Eve and fireworks, Izon urged people to follow instructions for safe usage.
“Never return to a lit firework and make sure sparklers are used safely, with supervision for children. Keep a bucket of water nearby and properly dispose of sparklers by submerging them in water overnight.”
He added that incidents involving alcohol, as well as drink- or drug-related road traffic collisions, tend to increase after midnight on New Year’s Day.
Morale remains high among firefighters working over Christmas and New Year, despite the challenges of spending time away from family.
“The crews on stations over Christmas are like a second family. They’ll celebrate together as best as they can between incidents, often with Christmas hats, jokes, and banter while cooking roast dinner.”
Izon acknowledged the challenges firefighters face during this period:
“It can be tough leaving your first family to come into work, especially early in the morning or after a busy night shift. But those on duty will always find ways to keep the festivities going while providing lifesaving services to the community.”
Fire crews remind residents to prioritise safety during celebrations, ensuring a joyful and accident-free festive season for all.