Springfield, Ill. — Halloween brings excitement and thrill, with decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating filling neighborhoods. However, the festive decorations that make Halloween spooky can also introduce hidden fire hazards.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) warns of a spike in fires over Halloween, with nearly 9,200 fires reported nationwide around Halloween annually from 2017 to 2019. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported an average of 835 fires per year from 2018-2022 started by decorations. Many of these fires occurred when decorations were placed too close to heat sources.
Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera advises parents to review fire safety with their children, especially around open flames. Costumes with long fabric and masks with small eye holes can increase risks. He recommends costumes with reflective material or flashlights for visibility.
Top 10 Halloween Fire Safety Tips:
• Use battery-powered candles in jack-o-lanterns.
• Avoid costumes with trailing fabric.
• Ensure masks have large eye holes.
• Teach children to avoid open flames.
• Review “stop, drop, and roll” with kids.
• Keep flammable decorations away from heat sources.
• Equip kids with flashlights or glow sticks.
• Clear exits of decorations.
• Test smoke alarms.
• Motorists should drive cautiously during trick-or-treat hours.
Following these steps helps create a safe and spooky Halloween for all.
