Fire safety focus as IFE unveils twelve day festive advice programme

Holiday fire safety campaign targets seasonal risks

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has launched its first 12 days of fire safety campaign, running from Monday 1 December for twelve days with a focus on reducing domestic fire risks during the holiday period.

The organisation said the initiative will deliver daily themed messages through digital channels and community networks, covering topics such as decorative lighting, candle use, cooking routines and night-time safety checks.

IFE stated that the campaign is intended to make practical fire safety actions easy to understand and apply at home during a time when households often introduce extra candles, fairy lights and electrical devices.

According to the organisation, the increased presence of these items in homes during the holidays is linked to a higher likelihood of domestic fires, many of which can be prevented with simple precautions.

The IFE added that fire crews face added pressure at this time of year and that any reduction in avoidable incidents can ease that demand.

The campaign is presented as a way for households to take straightforward steps that support both their own safety and the workload of local fire services.

Daily themes and resources for the public

IFE explained that each of the twelve days will focus on a specific topic, pairing a clear theme with practical steps the public can follow to reduce risk.

Daily messages will include prompts to check decorations for damage, avoid overloading sockets, use candles safely and maintain safe cooking practices in busy kitchens.

The campaign will also encourage households to test smoke alarms, plan escape routes and adopt safer night-time routines during the festive period.

IFE will publish graphics and downloadable guidance that can be used both in the home and in community settings, with all materials made available through the organisation’s website and social media channels.

The organisation said the content is designed to be easy to follow and share, and it is inviting people to pass on posts and documents to friends, family and colleagues.

The campaign will also invite the public to share their own safety tips and holiday setups using the hashtag #12DaysOfFireSafety, creating a visible focus on safer festive practices.

IFE confirmed that it will release a free downloadable Fire-Safe Holidays Guide at the end of the campaign, bringing the daily advice together in one document.

Shared responsibility and community engagement goals

IFE stated that the objective of the 12 days of fire safety campaign is to educate the public, reduce fire incidents and support a safer holiday season for everyone.

The organisation highlighted that the initiative is intended for a broad audience, including fire safety professionals, educators and members of the public.

By framing the campaign as a shared effort, IFE is encouraging participation from individuals, families and professionals who can extend the reach of the messages in their own networks.

The organisation is asking people to engage with the campaign by sharing official posts, distributing downloadable materials and adding their own practical examples of safe festive practices online.

IFE emphasised that the success of the campaign relies on widespread engagement, with every shared message or resource regarded as a way to reinforce simple, preventative behaviours.

Further information about the campaign and access to materials is available through the IFE website and its LinkedIn presence.

Implications for seasonal public education and outreach

Fire safety professionals involved in community outreach can use the IFE 12 days of fire safety campaign as a ready-made set of seasonal messages and resources.

The availability of graphics, themed daily guidance and a consolidated Fire-Safe Holidays Guide provides material that can be incorporated into local campaigns, social media schedules and school or community sessions.

Educators responsible for holiday safety messaging can align their own content with the IFE daily themes, reinforcing public understanding of decoration checks, candle use, cooking safety and night-time routines.

Teams that manage organisational social media channels can also amplify the campaign by sharing IFE posts and using the #12DaysOfFireSafety hashtag, extending the reach of the messages beyond IFE’s own audience.

Household-facing professionals, such as housing officers and community safety workers, can direct residents to the downloadable documents and encourage them to apply the advice at home across the holiday period.