Happy ‘fire safe’ holidays!

Dec. 25, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​Tips from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service to enjoy the festive season safely


Don’t let the Grinch or a fire get in the way of carving your prime rib or glazed ham! To help you have a safe and happy holiday, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) is reminding residents of some important holiday fire-safety tips. 

When cooking your holiday meal, follow these tips to ensure it goes off without a hitch:

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Turn off the stove if you must step away and remove all items from the stovetop when cooking is done.
  • Avoid distractions and focus on the task in front of you.
  • Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking as it can catch on fire.
  • Keep flammable items – oven mitts, cooking utensils, dish cloths, paper towels and potholders – a safe distance from the stove.
  • Keep young kids and pets away from the stove and turn pot handles away from the stove's edge to avoid them being accidentally knocked off.
  • Ensure a proper-fitting pot lid is nearby to smother flames in the event of a fire.
  • Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
  • Have a working smoke alarm and a home escape plan just in case an incident occurs. 

Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons or other types of packing in the fireplace. They burn rapidly and generate a lot of heat. Even though stockings hung from the mantel look festive, do not leave them there when the fireplace is in use. 

If you’re using a real Christmas tree, keep the base of the trunk in water at all times – a dry tree is a fire hazard. Keep real and artificial trees away from any ignition source such as a fireplace, heaters or candles. Check the cords of your decorative lights closely – discard any sets that are frayed or damaged as they can pose a safety issue. 

Lastly, if lighting candles, always use non-flammable candle holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down, away from Christmas trees and other festive decorations in the surrounding area – paper decorations, tablecloths and napkins can be a fire hazard. Never leave candles unattended and be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Better yet, use battery-powered flameless candles instead. 

For more information and holiday fire safety tips, visit vaughan.ca/fire. 

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