Indianapolis, Indiana – As homes across the Hoosier State sparkle with lights and decorations, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging residents to celebrate safely this holiday season.
“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 NFPA said in its 2025 holiday safety advisory. The organization’s national campaign focuses on preventing home fires caused by decorations and cooking.
According to NFPA data, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires each year, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents result in three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and about $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-related fires also surge in December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items placed too close to heat sources.
To prevent holiday fires, NFPA recommends:
- Keeping trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Watering live trees daily to prevent drying.
- Replacing damaged light cords and unplugging them before bed.
- Using flameless candles or keeping open flames under supervision.
NFPA also reports that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, underscoring the need for extra care in the kitchen during gatherings.
Indiana residents can find free holiday fire safety resources, printable checklists, and videos at nfpa.org/education, or check with their local fire department for community prevention events.
