How to Handle Fire Damage at Christmas: Risks, Costs & Restoration Tips

While we’re usually grumbling that Christmas seems to arrive earlier every year, let’s be honest: back in 2020, most of us were more than ready to deck the halls as soon as Halloween wrapped up. After such a challenging year, the festive season couldn’t come soon enough.

But for some unlucky homeowners and business owners, any sense of holiday cheer can quickly go up in smoke, literally. Fires and escape-of-water incidents are, unfortunately, common this time of year, with fire being a particularly prevalent threat, as highlighted by recent Aviva claims data.

The 12 Claims of Christmas

Aviva dug through its domestic claims data for December and January, going back to 2016, to compile its ‘12 claims of Christmas’. Unsurprisingly, fire-related incidents were well-represented. From fairy lights overheating and candle centrepieces catching table decorations alight, to ovens blazing their way through kitchens, it’s clear the festive season brings more than just tidings of comfort and joy.

The Cost of a Festive Fire

A fire at Christmas isn’t just emotionally devastating, it’s financially painful too. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), fire is one of the priciest property insurance claims. In 2018 alone, insurers paid out a staggering £1.3 billion for fire-related claims.

That’s because fire restoration goes far beyond simply replacing burnt items. Homes and businesses need rapid, expert intervention to deal with the fire itself and the mess it leaves behind. Smoke, ash, debris, and even water from extinguishing efforts can all compound the damage.

Despite its cost and complexity, fire restoration remains less common than other types of claims. The ABI’s latest figures show that while escape-of-water accounts for 30% of domestic claims, fire and explosions come in at just 17%. So when it does happen, it’s often not as well understood.

That’s why we’re diving into what makes fire damage so complex, and how it can be addressed effectively.

Hidden Hazards

Synthetic fires often come with a strong, acrid odour, but it’s protein fires, typically from burnt organic material, that cause the most unpleasant smells. They also leave a greasy yellow/brown residue that’s not always easy to see, making them especially tough to clean.

One of the biggest challenges in fire restoration is dealing with what can’t be seen. Smoke particles, mainly carbon-based, are notorious for infiltrating electrical equipment, where they can cause shorts, heat build-up, and, yes, more fires.

Special care also has to be taken with valuable or delicate items. A charred piece of furniture might seem unsalvageable, but in the hands of a skilled restorer, it could be brought back to life. Smoke damage, however, can be sneaky, penetrating deep into wood grains or paper documents, so identifying and treating those hidden issues is critical.

The Power of Smell

Smoke travels easily through buildings, often finding its way into hidden voids and unseen corners. That makes odour control one of the most vital (and often underestimated) parts of fire restoration. A successful restoration job doesn’t just remove the damage, it removes the memory of it. Because if a room still smells like smoke, many customers will assume the job’s not done.

Complete decontamination, thorough deodorisation, and sometimes even re-odourisation are all part of the toolkit for professionals tackling fire damage. Smell is a powerful emotional trigger, and it can make or break a customer’s confidence in the restoration process.

Getting It Right When It Matters Most

If you’re unlucky enough to suffer a fire this Christmas, after what’s already been a tough year, it’s the response that makes all the difference. Getting the right mix of speed, skill and specialist knowledge might not undo the emotional toll, but it goes a long way towards making things whole again.

Want to learn more about how Polygon tackles fire restoration? From domestic callouts to helping icons like the Royal Albert Hall recover after a blaze, we’re here to help.