Fire officials are advising residents to keep their wits about them during their holiday celebrations, as fires don't take vacation.
"In terms of house fires, this is the busiest time of year," Fire Chief Chris Case stated.
"We try and worry so you don't have to," he added.
In terms of tips to stay safe, Case reminds people to drink a little less if you're cooking, always keep an eye on the oven, and don't let yourself get distracted.
"This is the time of year when everyone's coming to your house... the one thing you don't wan to have is eight firefighters invited for Christmas dinner," he said.
Case added that Chatham-Kent firefighters have responded to multiple fires in the last week, that were caused by people leaving food in the oven. They've also been called to several chimney fires.
He said that there haven't been any Christmas tree fires this year, but warns those with real trees to make sure they're watered.
"People assume that nothing bad will ever happen at Christmas," Case said. "We say, and police and paramedics say all the time, that there are tragedies at Christmas."
Another tip from Chief Case, is to make sure when you're buying something with a lithium ion battery, to make sure it's the right one for the product.
"When these things go, they go quickly," he said. "If your battery starts to smell or it starts to bulge or you see smoke, get it outside and call 9-1-1."
He also reminds everyone to make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
"We're just trying to say to people, 'enjoy yourself, but just keep an eye on things, just be mindful,'" Case said.
