Lethbridge Fire and EMS offering safety reminders ahead of holiday season

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services demonstrated some holiday fire safety tips on Dec. 12, 2024. (CTV News)

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — As the holidays quickly approach, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is putting out a reminder to celebrate safely this year.

“Over the holiday season, we have a lot more people at home, so then you have a higher risk of fires at home,” said Troy Hicks, chief fire marshal with LFES.

“We do run into a lot of cooking fires over the holiday season.”

December is one of the busiest months for the department when it comes to preventable fires.

To lower that rate when preparing dinner, Hicks says not to wear loose clothing or leave the stove unattended.

“If you don't have a fire extinguisher, make sure you have a lid beside you when you're cooking, especially when you're cooking with grease,” Hicks explained.

While many decorate inside and out for the holidays, Hicks says that comes with a variety of fire hazards.

Frayed wires and extension cords can lead to a fire, which is why he says homeowners should inspect strands of lights before putting them up.

While Christmas trees can pose a risk, Hicks says it’s real trees that need to be paid closer attention to. He says ensuring trees are watered and kept away from heat sources is key.

“Make sure you know how to get out of your house if there is an emergency,” he said. “That's why it's so important to make sure that with the exit doors, we're not piling all the winter boots and shoes and gloves and jackets on the stairs causing trip hazards.”

LFES has already responded to several fires caused by candles and extension cords this season.

It's an early reminder to take steps to reduce the risk.

“If you're leaving your house or going to bed, make sure your candles – if you're using real ones – that they're blown out and completely extinguished,” Hicks added.

“If they're battery operated, shut them off. If you have any of your Christmas trees on, your lights, anything like that, you just want to shut the power off.”

If an emergency happens, Hicks is reminding everyone to have an escape plan that everyone in the home knows about.

“Every second counts in a fire in a home, and as the years go on and the materials with furniture and everything like that change, the amount of time you have to get out keeps getting smaller and smaller,” Hicks said.