Chicago, Illinois – As holiday lights twinkle across the city and suburbs, fire safety experts are reminding Illinois residents to stay cautious and celebrate safely.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one.” The organization’s seasonal campaign focuses on helping families prevent fire hazards during the holidays.
NFPA data shows that U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires each year, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents cause three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and $18 million in property losses annually. Nearly half of Christmas tree fires are electrical, while one in four start when a heat source is placed too close to the tree.
Candle fires also spike in December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items too close to heat sources, NFPA data shows.
To help Illinois families stay safe this season, NFPA recommends:
- Keep trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Water live trees daily to prevent drying.
- Replace damaged cords and unplug lights before bed.
- Use flameless candles or monitor open flames closely.
The NFPA also reports that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen awareness crucial during gatherings.
Illinois residents can access printable checklists, safety videos, and tip sheets at nfpa.org/education, or reach out to their local fire department for community prevention programs.
