Firefighters have issued an urgent warning to households using extension leads for Christmas lights and decorations, highlighting the risk of fires if these devices are overloaded or used incorrectly. The alert comes as many families rely on extension leads to power festive displays in areas without nearby wall sockets.
The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service advised that extension leads should only be used when unavoidable, and never as a permanent solution. They stressed that cables should not be stretched taut to avoid tripping hazards, and that all leads, plugs, and sockets should be inspected for damage before use.
To reduce risk, extension leads should be placed carefully, with rubber protector strips used where cables cross pathways. The service warned against joining two lengths of flex by twisting wires together, even with insulating tape. Any damaged leads must be replaced immediately, as tape cannot provide adequate repair.
Most extension leads have a 13A rating (around 3,000W). Users must check the wattage of connected devices to avoid overloading. Signs of overloading include hot plugs, scorch marks, or frequent fuse blows. For Christmas lights, LED bulbs are recommended as they use less energy and generate less heat than incandescent bulbs, reducing fire risk.
