The holidays sparkle with lights, candles, and festive meals. All that cheer makes the season special but it also brings a few fire risks we don’t always think about.
In fact, home fires happen more often between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of year. The good news? With just a handful of easy precautions, you can keep the season safe, cozy, and full of joy. Here’s how to protect your home and loved ones while still enjoying all the magic of the holidays.
Holiday Cooking: The Heart of the Home — and a Common Fire Risk
Holiday meals often mean more time in the kitchen, more dishes on the stovetop, and more distractions. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires during the holidays, especially when distractions shift your attention away from cooking.
Fire Risks
- Leaving food unattended on the stove or in the oven
- Steam, splashing oil, or hot liquids causing burns or igniting nearby flammable items
- Grease fires that can flare up quickly if frying food overheats
- Stoves left on, long after cooking is complete
Safety Tips
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when frying, boiling, or broiling.
- Keep flammable items away from the stovetop, including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains.
- Use a timer as a reminder that something is cooking, even if you step away briefly.
- Create a kid-free and pet-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and oven to prevent accidental bumps or burns.
- Avoid cooking if you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol, as both can slow reaction time and increase risk.
Electrical Power & Holiday Lighting: Sparkle Without the Spark
Holiday lights add warmth and cheer, but faulty cords or overloaded outlets can quickly turn decorative into dangerous.
Fire Risks
- Flickering lights especially when other appliances are turned on (signals a loose connection)
- Discolored or warm outlets
- Burning plastic or rubbery smells near outlets or cords
- Buzzing, sizzling or cracking sounds from outlets or cords
- Frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers
Safety Tips
- Use lights that are tested and approved by a qualified testing lab.
- Make sure outdoor lights are rated for outdoor use and protected from moisture.
- Replace worn, frayed, or broken cords
- Avoid overloading outlets and skip multi-plug adapters whenever possible.
- Always turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Christmas Trees: Festive Focal Points That Need Care
A Christmas tree — real or artificial — can be a stunning centerpiece, but it also deserves careful placement and maintenance.
Fire Risks
- Trees placed too close to heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters
- Frayed wires or overloaded extension cords igniting branches
- Live trees drying out and becoming increasingly flammable
Safety Tips
- Place your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, heat vents, candles, or lights.
- Use lights labeled for indoor use and follow manufacturer guidelines on how many strands can be safely connected.
- Water live trees daily. A well-hydrated tree is far less likely to ignite.
- Turn off tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Dispose of live trees promptly after the holiday, before they dry out.
- For artificial trees, look for a fire-resistant label for added peace of mind.
Candle Fires: Warm Glow, Real Risk
Candles play a meaningful role in many holiday traditions, including the menorah of Chanukah and the kinara of Kwanzaa. Decorative candles are also popular throughout the season. While candles beautifully set the festive mood, open flames always require care.
Fire Risks
- Candles placed too close to decorations, curtains, or furniture
- Unstable candle holders that can tip over
- Curious children or pets knocking candles over
Safety Tips
- Place menorahs or kinaras on a nonflammable surface, such as a tray lined with aluminum foil to catch dripping wax.
- Never leave candles unattended. Blow them out when leaving a room or going to bed.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Curious hands and wagging tails can cause accidents in seconds.
- Keep lit candles well away from decorations and other flammable materials.
Decorations: Festive, Fun—and Sometimes Flammable
Holiday décor adds personality and warmth to your home, but many decorations are made from materials that can ignite if exposed to heat or sparks.
Fire Risks
- Decorations placed near heat vents, lights, or fireplaces
- Flammable materials igniting from a spark or hot surface
Safety Tips
- Choose decorations that are flame-retardant or flame-resistant whenever possible.
- Keep decorations away from heat sources, including vents, candles, and fireplaces.
Fireplaces: Cozy Comfort with Important Rules
A crackling fire is a holiday favorite, but fireplaces require extra attention during busy gatherings.
Fire Risks
- Stockings, garlands, or decorations hung on the mantel can ignite if exposed to heat or sparks.
- Embers or sparks can escape the fireplace and ignite nearby furniture, rugs, or wrapping paper.
- Creosote buildup in the chimney increases the risk of a chimney fire.
- Fires left unattended or not fully extinguished before bedtime can reignite overnight.
Safety Tips
- Never light the fireplace if stockings or decorations are hanging from the mantel.
- Keep wrapping paper, gift boxes, and decorations at least three feet away from the fire.
- Use a fire screen to prevent embers from escaping.
- Make sure all embers are completely out before heading to bed or leaving the room for the night.
General Fire Safety Tips for the Season
- Install and maintain working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and make sure adults in the household know how to use it.
- Review your home insurance coverage to ensure you’re properly protected, an important step for peace of mind year-round.
A safe home is the foundation of a joyful holiday season. By staying mindful and taking a few proactive steps, you can focus on what truly matters — time together, cherished traditions, and making memories that last long after the decorations come down.
Happy holidays from all of us at California Casualty!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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