It may be a season of goodwill by typically early winter can see a spike in house fires and the Chatham-Kent Fire Department wants to prevent that.
Public Educator Whitney Burk says tree safety is an important and continues all the while the tree is in the house.
"If you are buying a real tree you want to make sure that it is fresh and once you get it home place it in water," she says. "Make sure it has water at all times."
Christmas decorations including candles are blamed for fires every year and Burk recommends if you are going to use them that you be careful which ones you buy.
"Smoke and drip-free, or we have option now to use flameless candles, we are so lucky they come in all sizes and colours, and of course keep lit candles away from children and pets," she says. "And here at the fire station we always say 'when you go out, blow out.'"
Burk adds food being cooked should never be left unattended especially if you are using oil and high temperatures, and alcohol consumption isn't just a problem for driving it can be a factor in cooking fires as well.
