The Association for the Promotion of German Fire Protection (vfdb) has warned against the improper handling of candles given the upcoming Advent season.
“Unfortunately, the number of fires increases significantly every year around Christmas,” said vfdb President, Dirk Aschenbrenner in Dortmund, citing figures from the General Association of the German Insurance Industry.
In 2019 alone there were 29,000 fires, around 9,000 more than in a comparable month in spring or autumn.
follow the basic rules
This includes, among other things, not placing candles near easily flammable objects
“Please never leave burning candles unattended,” appealed Dirk Aschenbrenner, who is also Head of the Dortmund Fire Department.
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, it can be assumed that more people than usual will stay at home and make themselves comfortable by candlelight.
This makes it all the more important to follow a few basic rules. This includes, among other things, not placing candles near easily flammable objects, such as Advent arrangements or curtains.
adequate fire protection
The vfdb president pointed out that older people are particularly often affected by house fires. That's why family members and relatives should take the opportunity, for example over Advent coffee, to check the seniors' homes for adequate fire protection.
First and foremost, this includes compliance with the smoke detector requirement. “Smoke detectors save lives – all year round,” says Dirk Aschenbrenner.