Houston, Texas – Holiday lights and decorations are glowing across the Lone Star State, but the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding Texans that festive décor and candles can quickly turn dangerous if safety steps are overlooked.
“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 group provides national fire prevention resources to help families protect their homes during the holidays.
According to NFPA data, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 835 home decoration fires annually, excluding Christmas trees. These incidents cause three civilian deaths, 29 injuries, and $18 million in property damage each year. Nearly half of Christmas tree fires are electrical, and one in four start when a heat source is placed too close to the tree.
Candle fires also increase sharply during December and January, with half of all decoration fires caused by items placed too close to heat sources, according to NFPA research.
To help prevent holiday fires, NFPA recommends:
- Keep trees at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
- Water live trees daily to prevent drying out.
- Check cords and unplug lights before bed.
- Use flameless candles or never leave open flames unattended.
NFPA also reports that cooking fires peak on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving, making kitchen awareness just as important as tree safety this time of year.
Texas residents can access printable checklists, safety guides, and prevention videos at nfpa.org/education, or reach out to their local fire department for community safety programs this month.
