New data from the insurer Aviva reveals a stark warning for UK households this festive season: fires sparked by candles result in an average insurance claim of more than £25,000. The analysis of home insurance claims between 2021 and 2024 highlights December as the peak month for these dangerous and costly incidents.
Festive Flames: A Seasonal Spike in Fire Claims
According to the insurer's findings, candles are responsible for approximately 15% of all fire claims during December. This significantly outpaces other common causes, such as chimneys and fireplaces, which account for just 6% of claims. The cozy ambiance created by candlelight can quickly turn catastrophic, with real-life claims illustrating the rapid spread of festive flames.
Aviva has dealt with numerous cases where the Christmas spirit was extinguished by fire. In one instance, a candle ignited the branch of a Christmas tree. In another, the festive foliage of an advent wreath caught alight, leading to a house fire. Other claims involved unattended Christmas candles setting fire to nearby decorations, and several cases where wrapping paper was set ablaze, with one fire ruining a newly fitted carpet.
The insurer also highlighted incidents where Christmas cards accidentally caught fire from nearby tealights, and a claim stemming from a candle left burning on a fireplace during a Christmas dinner.
Expert Urges Vigilance During Cosy Evenings
Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager for home and lifestyle at Aviva, commented on the findings. "As more of us spend time indoors in the winter months, it’s tempting to light candles and tealights to add to the cosiness of the longer evenings," she said.
"However, our claims data shows several cases where wrapping paper, Christmas trees, and cards caught fire due to candles being placed too close." She emphasised that fires can spread with alarming speed, especially amidst festive decorations, and can cause extensive damage to an entire property.
With the average claim well over £25,000, Davidson's advice is clear: "Never leave candles unattended – even if you’re only stepping away from the room briefly." She urges households to enjoy the season safely by spreading festive cheer, not a potential fire.
Top Tips to Prevent a Festive Fire
Aviva has issued a series of practical safety tips to help homeowners avoid becoming a statistic this winter:
- Choose flameless alternatives: Swap real candles for battery-powered LED lights or torches, especially near dry Christmas trees.
- Never leave burning candles unattended: Always extinguish candles before leaving a room and follow manufacturer guidelines on burn time.
- Use sturdy, non-flammable surfaces: Place candles well away from decorations, curtains, and other soft furnishings.
- Keep them out of harm's way: Position candles where they cannot be knocked over and avoid draughty areas near windows.
- Keep away from children and pets: Store candles, matches, and lighters safely out of reach.
- Check Christmas lights: Ensure they are in good working order, switch them off when unattended, and avoid overloading sockets.
- Test smoke alarms: Make sure they are functioning and consider investing in fire blankets or extinguishers.
- Maintain fireplaces: Have chimneys properly swept and monitor any open flames closely during the festive season.
