With just under a month left until Christmas, we're facing one of the most important Swedish traditions: The First Advent (Första advent). It's the starting shot for the "cozy atmosphere", but also the beginning of the time when the rescue services have the most to do.
The advent candlestick
Sweden at the end of November is a place in need of comfort. There's a reason why we, cling to the Advent candlestick with such relief and frenzy. When the first star is lit in the window and the first advent candle is lit, this coming weekend Sunday, November 30, 2025, it's a collective sigh of relief. We can finally see more light in the Swedish darkness.
Start shot for Christmas
For many Swedes, this is the starting shot for Christmas, more important than Christmas Eve itself for the sake of the atmosphere. We hang up stars, bring out electric candlesticks, and, above all, we light real candles.
December, the Month when Sweden burns
But there's a downside to the cozy atmosphere. At the same time as we drink mulled wine (glögg) and eat gingerbread (lussekatt), the alarm sounds at the rescue services. The statistics speak clearly: December is the most fire-prone month in Swedish homes. According to the Fire Protection Association and MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency), the number of residential fires increases significantly during this period. Each year, around 24,000 residential fires occur in Sweden (both small and large incidents).
The cause of fire
Of the fires caused by real candles, about 40 percent occur during the month of December. The most common cause is forgetfulness, leaving the room "just for a short while" and forgetting the candle. A forgotten candle in a dry Advent candlestick can set a room on fire in just a few minutes. It happens terribly fast. This is a recurring warning from MSB.
Detail why candles easily starts the fire
The dangerous moss, a classic Swedish tradition is the Advent candlestick with four candles, decorated with white moss. It's beautiful, but from a fire safety perspective, it's like wrapping the candles in gasoline. Moss that dries indoors becomes extremely flammable. If a candle burns down and the flame reaches the moss, the ignition is almost explosive. The rescue services therefore often recommend replacing the moss with fire-safe alternatives such as beautiful stones, seashells, non-flammable decorative mushrooms, or if you insist then simply soaking the moss regularly (which is difficult to keep up with).
Three Simple Rules for a Safe Advent
Being "fire-smart" is a cheap life insurance. Here are the experts' tips for the weekend:
- Whoever lights, extinguishes: Make it a rule in the family. If you light the candle, you're responsible for extinguishing it when you leave the room.
- December 1 = Fire Alarm Day: The day after the First Advent is "Fire Alarm Day". It's a perfect reminder. Test your fire alarm. Press the button. Does it beep? Good. If not, replace the battery immediately. A working fire alarm is the difference between an incident and a tragedy.
- Use the "Swedish Svensson Method": Many people now put timers on their electric candlesticks and stars. It's good for the electricity bill, but also make sure the cords are intact and that old fixtures aren't broken. Electrical faults are still a common cause of fires, even if real candles dominate the statistics during Advent.
Leaving the stove unattended
Contrary to what one might think, fires often occur around the stove during the first Advent. According to Fire Engineer Henrik Andersson, who talks about the risks during the Christmas season, the stove is among the most hazardous fire risks even during Advent and Christmas. If a fire starts, it's crucial to try to smother the flames with a lid or a fire blanket. If cooking oil is on fire, one must not attempt to extinguish it with water, as this can explosively fuel the fire even more.
As we now count down to Christmas 2025, let's enjoy the light. We need it. But let's do it with respect for fire.
Happy First Advent!
Sources and References: MSB, Svt.se, Brandskyddsföreningen
