Albany, New York – As holiday lights brighten homes across the Capital Region, fire safety experts are urging New Yorkers to celebrate smartly and avoid preventable disasters.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that while festive celebrations and winter greens bring seasonal cheer, they also pose serious fire hazards if precautions are ignored.
According to NFPA research, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires every year, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents cause three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and about $18 million in property damage annually. Nearly half of Christmas tree fires stem from electrical problems, while a quarter occur when a heat source is too close to the tree.
Candle fires also rise sharply in December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items placed too close to heat sources.
To reduce risks this holiday season, NFPA recommends:
- Keeping trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Watering live trees daily to prevent drying.
- Replacing frayed cords and unplugging lights before bed.
- Using flameless candles or keeping real flames supervised.
The NFPA also notes that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen safety as important as tree safety during holiday gatherings.
Residents can find free fire safety resources and holiday tip sheets at nfpa.org/education or check local fire department pages for community programs and events.
