Holiday Fire Safety
'Tis the season... for house fires
The holidays bring family, food, and festivities – but they also bring a significant spike in residential fires. December and January see more home fires than any other months, with cooking, heating equipment, and holiday decorations all contributing to the increased risk. The good news? Most holiday fires are entirely preventable with a little awareness and preparation.
Cooking fires: the number one culprit
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires year-round, but the holidays amplify the risk dramatically. Thanksgiving is the single worst day for cooking fires, followed closely by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. When you’re juggling multiple dishes, entertaining guests, and managing excited children, it’s easy to become distracted—and that’s when accidents happen.
What you can do
- Stay in the kitchen: Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must step away, turn off the burner.
- Keep a clear zone: Maintain at least three feet between the stovetop and anything flammable – dish towels, paper towels, wooden utensils, and holiday decorations.
- Watch loose clothing: Flowing sleeves and apron strings can catch fire quickly. Roll up sleeves and tie back loose items.
- Keep a lid nearby: If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it to smother the flames. Never throw water on a grease fire – it will cause the fire to spread explosively.
Christmas tree hazards
A dried-out Christmas tree can ignite in seconds and engulf an entire room in under a minute. While Christmas tree fires are relatively rare, they’re disproportionately deadly—accounting for a significant number of holiday fire fatalities each year.
What you can do
- Choose a fresh tree: When buying a real tree, check that needles don’t fall off easily when you shake or tap the trunk. A fresh tree is a safer tree.
- Water daily: Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. A tree can drink a gallon or more per day, especially in the first week.
- Position carefully: Place the tree at least three feet away from heat sources – fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and heating vents.
Check the lights: Inspect light strings for frayed wires, cracked sockets, or loose connections. Replace any damaged sets. Turn off tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Candles and open flames
Candles create ambiance but also create risk. December sees triple the normal rate of candle fires compared to other months. A candle left unattended, placed too close to decorations, or knocked over by a pet or child can quickly become a serious fire.
What you can do
- Consider alternatives: Battery-operated flameless candles provide the same warm glow without the fire risk. They’re especially useful in homes with children or pets.
- Use sturdy holders: Place candles in stable, non-flammable holders on level surfaces away from anything that can burn.
- Blow out before leaving: Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep—no exceptions.
Electrical overloads
The holidays mean extra lights, decorations, and appliances – all competing for the same outlets. Overloaded circuits and extension cord misuse cause thousands of fires each year.
What you can do
- Don’t daisy-chain: Never plug extension cords into other extension cords. Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers instead.
- Check wattage: Make sure the total wattage of plugged-in items doesn’t exceed the extension cord’s rating.
- Inspect outdoor decorations: Use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use. Check for damage before installation and keep connections off the ground and away from water.
- Use timers: Put holiday lights on automatic timers to avoid leaving them on all night or while away from home.
Heating equipment
Space heaters and fireplaces see heavy use during the holiday season. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in winter months, and portable heaters are particularly dangerous when placed too close to flammable materials.
What you can do
- Maintain clearance: Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, furniture, and decorations.
- Never leave heaters unattended: Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Service your fireplace: Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually. Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
- Dispose of ashes safely: Wait 24 hours for ashes to cool completely, then place them in a metal container with a lid, stored outside away from the house.
Your safety checklist
Before the holiday rush begins, take a few minutes to walk through your home with fire safety in mind:
- Test smoke alarms on every floor and replace batteries if needed
- Check that fire extinguishers are accessible and not expired
- Review escape routes with family members and establish a meeting point outside
- Clear clutter from exits and hallways
- Know where your electrical panel is and how to shut off power if needed
The holidays should be a time for celebration, not tragedy. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your family safe and your home protected.
What you can do
- Maintain clearance: Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, furniture, and decorations.
- Never leave heaters unattended: Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Service your fireplace: Have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually. Use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
- Dispose of ashes safely: Wait 24 hours for ashes to cool completely, then place them in a metal container with a lid, stored outside away from the house.