Nashville, Tennessee – With holiday lights glowing across Middle Tennessee, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding residents that festive décor can become a fire hazard if precautions aren’t taken.
“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 safety bulletin. The organization provides annual education and resources to help families prevent fires during the holidays.
According to NFPA research, 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 a quarter start when a heat source is too close to the tree.
Candle fires also rise sharply during December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items placed too close to heat sources.
NFPA recommends several safety measures this season:
- Keep trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Water live trees daily to prevent drying.
- Inspect cords and unplug lights before bed.
- Use flameless candles or keep open flames closely watched.
The NFPA also reports that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen safety as important as decoration safety during the holidays.
Residents can find free holiday safety guides, printable checklists, and videos at nfpa.org/education, or check with their local Tennessee fire department for community fire prevention events this month.
