Christmas trees, menorahs, kinaras, and strings of lights indoors and out are common sights around the holidays, but if we aren’t careful, they can cause damage or loss to our homes. The last thing we want to consider during the holidays is the possibility of a fire. Unfortunately, fires caused by holiday decorations are a reality that shouldn’t be ignored. We must do whatever is possible to prevent holiday fires sparked by decorations.
Facts About Winter Holiday Fires
In the United States, fire departments respond to an average of 790 house fires that start with holiday decorations each year. That number doesn’t include fires that begin with a Christmas tree, which accounts for an average of 160 house fires. The estimated average number of injuries caused by these fires equals 26 people, but they are also estimated to cause at least one death. Property damage amounts are estimated to be $13 million or more.
Many Christmas tree fires—two in five—were caused by lights on the tree. Bulbs or lamps cause approximately one in five Christmas tree fires. Candles caused another six percent of these fires. The number of candle fires peaks in December and January, with 11 percent of yearly candle fires occurring in those months.
Candles start more than a third of home decoration fires year-round. In December, approximately 45 percent of decoration fires began with candles. Cooking started about 19 percent of decoration fires, with Thanksgiving being the peak time for cooking fires. Christmas Day is second in cooking fire statistics, and then Christmas Eve.
Christmas Trees
Traditional Christmas celebrations featured live Christmas trees with wax candles to light them. Now, we use electric lights instead of candles, but there is still a risk of fire if we use a live tree. If you prefer a live tree, ensure that you keep it watered daily to prevent it from becoming too dry.
When you string your lights on the tree, you can use multiple strands if that’s what you enjoy. However, only plug a maximum of three strands into each other. If your light strings are old or broken, discard them and purchase new ones. Unplug your lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Christmas tree fires aren’t common, but they can expand quickly once they start. The drier the tree gets, the more flammable it becomes. Thirty percent of Christmas tree fires occurred in January.
Menorahs or Kinaras
Menorahs and kinaras are traditionally created from candles. Today, we can purchase electric ones, but many prefer celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa with traditional candles. If you prefer the candles, use them while being aware of the fire risk.
Keep any flammable items like decorations, curtains, or tablecloths a minimum of three feet from the candles. Choose a non-flammable surface to hold your menorah or kinara, such as a tray or another vessel lined with aluminum foil. This non-flammable surface will catch the candle wax that melts as the candles burn. You shouldn’t ever leave your candles unattended while they’re lit.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces provide both warmth and beauty within your home. Many people feel there’s nothing quite like spending a winter’s night by the fire. Like candles, anything flammable should be kept at least three feet from the flames of the fire.
Anything like rugs, wrapping paper, or clothing can become fuel for the fire. Use a fire screen to keep logs and embers inside your fireplace. Finally, before retiring for the night, extinguish any lingering embers.
Fireworks
Most of the time, when we think of fireworks, we think of the Fourth of July. However, many celebrations around New Year include fireworks. Those who set off fireworks at home must be aware of the fire hazards associated with the activity.
First, you should choose a location away from your home, outbuildings, or trees. Ensure that all spectators, including children or pets, stand back from the fireworks area. Ensure you always have a fire extinguisher or water supply handy for mishaps. If your area is in the middle of a drought, you may want to cancel your show to avoid any chance of a wildfire.
Candles
Many people enjoy using candles at holiday time for various reasons. Some like the ambiance and others use them as part of their traditions, either for religious reasons or to keep traditions alive. Advent wreaths, menorahs, and kinaras use candles as part of the celebration.
When using candles as part of your holiday celebration, there are tips for doing so safely. Store matches and lighters somewhere that’s secure. Use them in a sturdy holder on an elevated, flat surface no less than 12 inches from the edge of the surface. Lit candles need to be kept from holiday decorations and flammable items.
Fire Safety Tips
We’ve already covered some important fire safety tips for the holidays. However, here are some more tips for you.
- Carefully choose your ornaments and choose ones that are flame resistant.
- Ensure you only connect three strands of mini lights or no more than 50 screw-in bulbs.
- Choose lights that have been tested for safety, and ensure you are choosing ones that are appropriate for your use. Some lights are for indoor use only, while others are safe for either indoor or outdoor use.
- Keep trees and other decorations from blocking the exits to your home.
- Remove your tree as soon as Christmas ends or when it gets dry. Some communities offer recycling programs to dispose of Christmas trees.
- Check your lights for worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Discard any light strands that aren’t working properly.
- Clips, rather than nails, should be used to hang lights to avoid damaging the cords.
- Bring outside lights indoors after the holidays to make them last longer and prevent fire hazards.
- Make sure you keep candles a minimum of three feet from flammable items.
- Keep your tree at least three feet from any heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
- When choosing a live tree, ensure the needles are green and fresh and don’t fall off the tree when touched. Cut two inches from the tree’s base before putting it in the stand.
- Water live trees every day.
- Choose an artificial tree that’s certified, labeled, and identified as fire-retardant by the manufacturer.
- Christmas tree lights must be turned off before going to bed or leaving home.
- Run any extension cords along the wall where people can’t trip on them. Don’t run cables under furniture or rugs; don’t attach multiple extension cords together.
- Consider placing your Christmas lights on a timer to make switching them on and off easier.
The Takeaway
The holidays are a time for celebration, but you must diligently pay attention to safety. Even the thought of a fire during the holidays will dampen your spirits. The actual event can destroy whatever spirit you have left, along with your home and belongings.
Taking the necessary precautions can help you avoid the tragedy of a fire during the holidays. Most importantly, remember that you are your own best defense against holiday fires.
Resources
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays