Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA are urging Victorians to celebrate this festive season safely by checking Christmas lights before switching them on.
Damaged or faulty lights, combined with tinsel and plastic decorations can significantly increase the risk of fire in the home.
Last December, firefighters were called to a house fire in Glen Waverley after Christmas decorations sparked a blaze that destroyed a family of four’s home.
Father, George, was home with his two children when his smoke alarm went off alerting him to his Christmas tree on fire.
George tried to put the fire out himself but the blaze spread too quickly, leaving him only moments to flee with his daughters.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it’s also important to not overload powerboards and to avoid using double adapters.
“Taking a few minutes to ensure everything is safe could save your home and those you love,” he said.
“Christmas should be a time for celebration and doing things like untangling cords, not running them under mats or rugs, and turning lights off before you go to sleep can ensure it stays a happy time and not a catastrophic one.”
