CDDFRS: How to keep your family safe this Christmas

Firefighters are urging people to make sure that fire safety is at the top of their Christmas list, so that this festive season is memorable for all the right reasons. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has issued important cooking and electrical advice to households to help prevent a fire from breaking out in their home.

Group Manager Jon Singleton said: “When you’re focused on making sure your Christmas is perfect, it can be hard to see the danger right in front of you.

“We want to urge people not to compromise on safety when it comes to decorating their homes.

“Please avoid overloading sockets and never put extension leads through windows or doors.

“We also advise against stacking wrapped presents under the tree.

“And remember to turn off the Christmas lights when you leave the house or go to bed.”

People are also being urged never charge e-bikes and e-scooters overnight and never store them in hallways or other escape routes.

CDDFRS is also urging people to not become distracted in the kitchen, particularly when entertaining over Christmas.

It comes as the Service reports that firefighters attended 128 kitchen fires in 2025 (January to December) and 107 during the same period in 2024.

Group Manager Singleton continued: “The best gift you can give yourself this Christmas is the peace of mind that your home has working smoke alarms.

“We recommend you have one on every floor of your home and check they are working every week.

“Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items like tea towels away from heat sources like the hob.

“Never attempt to cook if you've been drinking alcohol.”

To test a smoke alarm, the Service said people should press and hold the test button until you hear it sound.

If the alarm doesn't go off, you may need to replace the battery.

To check how safe your home is, visit: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/?utm_source=&utm_medium=ohfsc.co.uk