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The risk of fire is there all year round, but the risk usually increases in December and especially at Christmas. There may be many reasons for this and it is probably a combination of many things, but the main cause of fire is cooking, candles electrical products and smoking.
Causes of fire - some selected examples:
The vast majority of fires are caused by human error, usually as a result of forgetfulness, inattention, carelessness, sloppiness or lack of knowledge.
Electric stove fires:
Electric stove fires are one of the most common causes of fires in Norwegian homes, but also in many other countries such as in the USA and Great Britain. The most common reason for a fire on the electrical stove is not due to a technical fault, but simply because you have forgotten about the food. This means that the "cook" forgets the food on the electrical stove, the food gets burnt and eventually cathes fire. At Christmas there is often a lot to do for the whole family, and we also cook more food than other times of the year and there is also more alcohol than usual - which means that food can quickly be forgotten. It can have serious consequences, so we recommend everyone to be careful when cooking.
Electrical stove fires are often caused by dry-boiling or overheating. If the food is dry-boiled for a long time, and it gets so hot that gases develop, in the worst case it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death. If the food is not removed from the electrical stove, a fire can also occur. This fire spreads quickly to the fat/grease that is in the kitchen fan filter above the electrical stove. If the fan is on, it will feed the fire and the consequences can be fatal. A "stove guard" is a good solution and can save lifes and your home from going up in smoke. In Norway, if you have a home that is built later than from July 2010, or if changes are made to the electrical stove curcuit during renovations, a "stove guard" is required.
Open flame and ash:
Typical causes of fires are smoking, candles, ashes from fireplaces or ashtrays, playing with matches/lighters or fireworks.
Electrical cause:
The causes of fires are often of a more technical nature; ground faults, electric arcs, thermostat failure are some typical causes of fire.
Incorrect use of electrical equipment:
In addition to electrical stove fires, the causes are often due to the covering of electric ovens and other careless use of electrical appliances.
Fire extinguishing equipment:
The owner must ensure that homes and vacation homes are equipped with at least one of the following fire extinguishing equipment that must be able to use in all rooms:
It is recommended to have several fire extinguishers. The fire extinguisher must be easily accessible and preferably on each floor (preferably in the bedroom).
Please notice that water cannot be used against fire in pots with fat, petrol or other liquid substances.
Fire in pots with fat can be extinguished by putting the pot lid on (a fireproof blanket for kitchen can also be used). Pull the pot away from the hob and switch off the power.
Avoid fire:
Some good advice:
What do you do if it starts to burn?
Rescue - If you're the person who discovers the fire, make sure you raise the alarm for other people in the building. Shout “Fire! Fire!" Make sure that everyone staying in the home/building gets out safely. Close doors and windows. Go to and gather at an agreed rendezvous point so that you can quickly tell whether everyone has escaped.
Alarm - Alert the fire service on the emergency number 110 (Please note 110 is the number in Norway. You must check which number it is in the area, state or country you are located). Give them the exact address. Follow the instructions from the fire service. Don’t hang up until you’ve been told you can.
Extinguish - If the fire has not become too big to extinguish, try to put it out with the fire hose or fire extinguisher. Do not put yourself in danger. Remember that the smoke is extrempely toxic. It is up to you to decide in which order you tackle these steps, depending on the situation. However, you must always make sure that you call for help. It is useful to practice on this through regular fire drills.
Fire drills in the home
The Norwegian Fire Protection Association recommends that everyone have fire drills at home 1-2 timnes a year. The whole family should participate and agree upon what to do in the event of a fire. Sit down and make a plan together. If there are small children in the family, it may be a good idea to make this a positive and fun activity that you all do together. Test the smoke detectors, preferably with both the test button and smoke. Check that the fire extinguisher equipment is easily accesible and ready for use. Make sure that everyone knows where this is located. Also test that all alternative escape routes such as the fire escape and that everyone gets to practice using the fire escape. Also check regularly that doors and windows can be opened from the inside. In winter, both dorrs and windows can be blocked by snow or ice so these cannot be opened in an emergency. These are just some advices. You must tailor the fire drills to fit your family and your home, but the important thing is that everyone knows what to do
in case of fire or an emergency.
Please note that some of the regulations, standards, emergency numbers etc described in this monthly safety topic
might not be applicable or relevant for you in your area, state or country.
You must check which are applicable and relevant for you.
It is always good to know the emergency numbers to call in case of fire or other emergencies.
Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Christmas!
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