A hearth with candles burning and numerous winter holiday decorations surrounding it.

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but these cold winter months ahead can also be a time of increased fire danger. With the cozy warmth of your home comes the potential for fires due to decorations, food preparation, heating sources, and more.

By taking some simple preventative steps this winter, you can ensure you and your loved ones have a safe, stress-free holiday season.

Common Fire Risks Around the Holidays

A pine tree burning on a fire, up close.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, decorating your home, or preparing a festive feast, it’s important to be aware of potential fire hazards to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Here are some of the most common holiday fire risks:

Christmas Trees

Nothing beats that authentic pine smell of a real Christmas tree, but they can be a fire hazard if not cared for properly. Make sure to keep your tree watered, and don’t leave it unattended or place it near any heat sources – that includes candles, fireplaces, and even light bulbs!

If you are using an artificial tree, make sure that you purchase one labeled as "fire resistant." Check your string lights carefully, too; look for any frayed cords or broken bulbs and replace them as necessary.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are wonderful for creating cozy, holiday vibes and keeping you warm on those chilly nights. However, they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Clean your chimney regularly to avoid build-up of soot and creosote deposits that could catch fire and cause extensive damage. Make sure you have a spark screen in place and keep flammable items at least three feet away from the opening to prevent your belongings from igniting.

Decorations

From twinkle lights to wreaths and other festive decorations, these can add beautiful ambiance to your home but they come with their own dangers. Inspect all of your holiday decorations before you hang them up, and make sure to look for frayed cords and any other signs of wear and tear.

Overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords can also cause a fire if too many lights or decorations are plugged in.

Unattended Candles

Candles can add a beautiful, warm glow to any room and be the perfect touch for holiday decorating. However, it’s easy to forget about them when you have plenty of other things going on. Make sure you always blow out candles before leaving the house or going to bed and keep an eye on children and pets that may be tempted to play with lit candles.

Space Heaters

Space heaters are a great way to keep warm during the cold months, but be sure to use them safely. Keep space heaters away from water, curtains, and any other combustible materials and never leave them running unattended.

How to Prevent Fires From Happening in the Winter

The top of a red fire extinguisher with a small red and white Santa hat on the nozzle.

As with any time of the year, fire prevention is key during the winter holidays. Here are a few of our top tips for winter fire safety during this festive season.

Double Check Your Smoke Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Make sure your smoke alarms are working and check the expiration date of your fire extinguisher.

Keep your up-to-date fire extinguisher in a readily accessible location, such as a hallway or near the kitchen, so that you can quickly grab it if a fire breaks out.

Keep Trees and Decorations Away From Heat Sources

Whether you prefer to deck your halls or you put up a simple tree and call it a day, make sure you keep any and all decorations away from heat sources. Avoid placing decorations near fireplaces, space heaters, or any other potential ignition sources to keep your family – and your festive decor – safe.

Do Not Leave Candles Unattended

Lighting candles is a great way to set the mood and add some ambiance, but you should never leave them burning for long periods of time or overnight. It’s easy to get distracted during the holidays, but make sure you always remember to blow out candles before you leave the house or go to bed.

Keep burning candles away from decorations and out of reach of children and pets for their safety. Opt for battery-powered candles when decorating for the holidays to reduce the risk of fire even further without sacrificing your holiday spirit!

Inspect Electrical Cords

When you dig out your holiday decorations, make sure you check all string lights and electrical cords for damages. Depending on where you store them in the off-season, cords may become frayed or damaged and can be a serious fire hazard. Replace any cords that are cracked, frayed, or otherwise damaged before plugging anything in.

As you're decorating your home for the holidays, avoid overloading outlets or extension cords and make sure you use the appropriate wattage for any electrical decorations. Using too many appliances in one outlet or using a light or decoration with an incorrect wattage can cause a fire, so be mindful of your power usage!

Update Your Family's Escape Plan

Update your family’s escape plan in case of a fire and practice it with everyone. Make sure that all exits are clear of decorations, furniture, or other items. Be sure to check windows and doors to ensure they open easily in case of an emergency. It pays to be prepared, and knowing what to do in the event of a fire will help keep your loved ones safe!

What to Do if a Fire Does Break Out

A wreath of pine needles, dried oranges, and pine cones ignites as red pillar candles burn atop it.

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time, but a fire can quickly ruin the festivities. If a fire does occur, stay calm and call your local fire department as soon as possible. By taking the proper precautions and staying aware of potential fire risks, you can ensure that your family and home stay safe this holiday season.

In the event that a fire does occur, it’s important to remain calm and act quickly. Only during the beginning stages of a fire should you attempt to extinguish it yourself. If the fire is small and you can easily identify the source, use your fire extinguisher to extinguish the blaze by following the instructions on the unit. You should proactively learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher in the event of an emergency to ensure you and your family are prepared for this situation!

If extinguishing the fire is not feasible or if it has begun to spread beyond one room, evacuate the building immediately and call 911. Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself and do not allow anyone to go back into the building until it has been cleared by a professional.

When it comes down to it, safety should be your number one priority, so prioritize getting your loved ones away from the fire as quickly as possible.

Put Winter Fire Safety at the Top of Your List This Holiday Season

A living room decorated for winter holidays with string lights scattered dangerously over a wooden floor.

Fire prevention is always the best approach, but if an unexpected fire does occur, it helps to know how to react quickly and safely. By following these preventative tips and taking the necessary steps to prepare for a potential fire emergency, you can enjoy your holidays with peace of mind.

From First-Line Fire Extinguisher, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Winter Fire Safety: Don't Let Your Holiday Celebration Go Up In Flames