​​BRAMPTON, ON – The holiday season is a time for gathering, decorating and enjoying festive traditions. It is also a time where fire risks may increase, with more cooking, heating and holiday lights in use. Brampton Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) is launching its annual holiday fire safety campaign to remind residents to stay alert and take simple steps to prevent emergencies during the busiest month of the year.

This year, the campaign aligns once again with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s (OFM) 12 Days of Holiday Safety initiative. The province-wide effort equips fire departments with consistent daily safety topics and messages helping communities across Ontario reduce preventable fires during the holiday season.

Rooted in BFES’s Fire and Life Safety Education program and aligned with the City’s Community Risk Assessment and Master Plan, the campaign focuses on known fire hazards in Brampton homes. ​

The 12 Days of Holiday Safety ​

BFES encourages residents to follow these holiday safety tips. These are practical reminders helping keep festivities safe and stress-free.

Before decorating, check all lights​

Broken bulbs, frayed wires and loose connections can spark a fire quickly. Inspect each strand and replace damaged sets before they go up.

Keep real trees well-watered​

A dry Christmas tree can ignite in seconds. Keeping the stand full of water every day reduces the risk of fire and helps your tree last longer.

Blow out candles every time

Candles create cozy ambiance, but they are also a leading cause of holiday fires. Blow them out before leaving any room, and consider switching to flameless LED options for safer decorating.

Test smoke alarms before guests arrive​

Holiday gatherings mean more people and more activity. Ensure smoke alarms are working on every floor, and replace batteries if needed.

Test carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

With furnaces and fireplaces running, winter is peak season for CO emergencies. Make sure CO alarms are installed beside all sleeping areas and on every level of the home.

Use extension cords wisely

Extension cords are only meant for temporary use. Never overload them, and replace any cords with visible damage.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Stay close to the stove, especially when frying, and keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.

Have a home escape plan

Every household should know two ways out of every room and have a safe meeting place outside. Practicing the plan makes it easier to follow in an emergency.

Watch what you heat

Holiday multitasking is common. If you need to step away while cooking, turn the burners off. Distractions are the biggest risk.

Give space heaters space

Move furniture, fabric and decorations at least one metre or three feet away from portable heaters. Turn them off before leaving the room or going to bed.

Encourage smokers to smoke outside

Inside, a single discarded cigarette can cause a devastating fire. Outside, always use deep, sturdy ashtrays and never toss cigarette butts into planters or garbage. ​

Charge lithium-ion batteries safely

Many holiday gifts use lithium-ion batteries. Charge devices on a hard, flat surface, avoid overcharging and use only chargers designed for the device. ​

A community effort to keep Brampton safe

Each year, preventable fires cause loss, injury and stress for families. Many of these incidents peak during the holidays. By following these simple steps, residents can help prevent emergencies and ensure celebrations stay joyful. Holiday safety is a shared responsibility, and every small action helps keep our community safe. ​

Learn how to protect your household and stay informed, visit bramptonfire.com. ​