 The holiday season is a time of joy and cheer, but regrettably, there is usually an upsurge of structural fires in homes during that time. The development of fires as a consequence of cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, followed by fires involving the use and misuse of electricity. This year to date, the fire service has responded to a total of 711 fires, of which 98 were structural and 29 were electrical. In relations to fires involving cooking, the fire department urges the general public to take reasonable measures to reduce their vulnerabilities by not leaving pots unattended or in the care of children. Keep the stove top clay of towels, mittens, or anything that is combustible. Avoid the use of water on fires involving oils or fats, or attempt to pick up a pot on fire. The latter can be safely controlled by shutting off the stove's burner and smothering the pot with a suitable lid. In relation to electricity, ensure that your house electrical installation is safe. Have the electrical wiring inspected every four to five years. Limit the use of extension cords and electrical adapters as they may become overheated and start a fire. Avoid overloading of outlets, plug only one device per outlet, unless the load can be verified. Avoid using electrical devices and appliances with defects, especially fans and air conditions, as they are the leading cause of house fires. Some lights are only for indoor use and should therefore be verified before outdoor usage. Additionally, Christmas lights should be carefully selected and installed to avoid potential fires. Above all, have a comprehensive plan for fire emergencies, which may entail the installation of smoke alarms at homes, having a suitable fire extinguisher in the house and learn to use it effectively, having at least two exits out of every room. Develop an emergency escape plan that is familiar to every family member. And remember to always call the fire department immediately at the sign of a fire. The St. Richard Fire Service admonishes that the public should continue to employ safe fire prevention practices for this holiday season. Happy holidays from the management and staff of the St. Richard Fire Service, as we look forward to serving you in the new year.